In order to provide a smooth transport facility in congested areas of the city, Noida Authority has expedited its ambitious pod taxi service — an elevated personal rapid transit (PRT) system. The PRT system is operational in several cities across the world. This system is considered passenger-friendly and meant for congested cities with narrow streets and less parking space.
A detailed presentation in this regard has been prepared after finalising the detailed project report (DPR) by the authority. The officials said that if things go well, construction work will begin by the end of the year. The authority will construct 4-km stretch at a cost of Rs 204 crore.
PK Agarwal, Additional CEO of Noida Authority said, “Pod taxicabs can save time and help passengers avoid traffic snarls. Once the plan is approved, it will solve traffic woes to a large extent. In the first phase, we have been planning to construct 2.6-km stretch from Botanical Garden Metro station to the busiest market of Sector 18 and later to extend up to Sector 16,” adding, “We will have to build total of 4-km track with in two years. To build track for the pod taxi, we will have to spend Rs 45 crore per kilometre. The entire stretch will cost the authority Rs 180 crore and Rs 24 crore will have to be invested in operations. Once the project is commenced, commuters will not face traffic snarls or parking hassles in the pod taxi, which can drop a passenger at a higher floor of a mall or a building. The pod taxi can even pass through the middle of a highrise building.”
Noida will be the second city after Amritsar to have pod taxi. The Punjab Government has already signed a contract with the company to run pod taxis in Amritsar. The PRT system is already in place of several cities across the globe. The advantages of bug-eyed podcar systems go beyond economics and the environment. They will help alleviate city congestion. land is used more efficiently as less needs to be allocated to roads and parking. It will also make transport more accessible to the elderly and those with mobility problems.