India is preparing to introduce its first driverless pod taxi network, marking a major step toward modern urban mobility and last-mile connectivity. The Personal Rapid Transit (PRT)-based system is planned for deployment in two major pilot regions—Noida in Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai in Maharashtra. According to officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, groundwork has already begun for both projects. The aim is to provide fast, congestion-free, and efficient connectivity between key transport hubs such as airports, metro stations, and commercial zones.
In Noida, the pod taxi service will connect the upcoming Noida International Airport with key destinations including the proposed Film City in Sector 21 and nearby industrial hubs like toy and textile parks. The project is targeted for launch by mid-2028. In Mumbai, the system is being developed to improve last-mile connectivity within the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), linking metro stations and suburban rail hubs to major office districts. Construction has already begun after the foundation ceremony held in April 2026.
The driverless pods will be fully electric and AI-controlled, designed to carry 4–6 passengers at a time. Operating on elevated guideway tracks 5–10 meters above ground, the pods will run at speeds of up to 40 km/h. Officials plan to make a pod available every five minutes, ensuring high-frequency service. A key feature of the system is its “lift-like” operation model—passengers select their destination at the station, and the pod travels directly without intermediate stops. Central control systems supported by AI and sensors will manage routing, demand, and safety, detecting obstacles in real time to minimize accidents.
The estimated fare is expected to be around ₹8 per kilometre, though final pricing will be decided closer to launch. The system is also designed to be environmentally friendly, running on battery-powered, zero-emission technology with low noise output. Globally, similar pod taxi systems are already operational at locations such as Heathrow Airport in London, Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, West Virginia University in the United States, Suncheon in South Korea, and Chengdu in China. If successful, India may expand the model to other congested urban corridors in cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad, reshaping the future of urban transport in the country.
