The people of Hyderabad will soon enjoy a new transport option as the government plans to launch ‘pod taxis’ to improve metro connectivity. This system, known as Personal Rapid Transit (PRT), will link metro stations directly with important spots like offices, IT parks, and homes. Around 500,000 individuals use the city’s metro daily, but reaching the final stop is often a challenge due to few buses, high auto fares, and traffic issues.
To solve these problems, pod taxis will run on elevated tracks, avoiding road traffic. In the first phase, routes will include Rayadurgam-Kukatpally, Rayadurgam-Hitech City, the Financial District, Knowledge City, and areas near the Secretariat. This project will follow a public-private partnership model called design, build, finance, operate, transfer (DBFOT). A consultant will review its technical and financial aspects.
These driverless pods can travel up to 40 km/h, carrying 6 to 8 passengers each. They can move about 10,000 people per hour and use electricity or batteries, making them eco-friendly.
With options to book in advance, travel time should decrease significantly. A similar initiative is underway in Mumbai, and if all goes well, Hyderabad’s pod taxi system might start in a few years, revolutionizing city transport.
