Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has unveiled a detailed plan for a pod taxi project in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), a significant business district in Mumbai, featuring 38 proposed stations as part of its first phase, expected to be completed by 2027.

The project aims to enhance last-mile connectivity between major suburban railway stations and key locations within BKC. The project adds up to a total of 54 stations projected to be operational by 2041. The pod taxi system, characterized by its elevated stations, will connect important destinations such as the Regional Passport Office, ONGC Building, Godrej BKC, and Jio World Centre.

Pod taxis, commonly known as “Personal Rapid Transits,” are viewed as among the globe’s most innovative and environmentally friendly transportation systems. ommonly found in Europe, pod taxis function without a driver and travel 5 to 10 meters above the ground. It looks like an electric vehicle and can hold approximately 8 seated and 13 standing passengers. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the pod taxi will enhance urban mobility and guarantee that commuters in busy business areas can use fast, safe, and top-notch transport services

Based on the Techno-Economic Feasibility Study (TEFS), the project will see investment exceeding Rs 1,000 crore. Using a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model, the implementation has been assigned to Sai Green Mobility Private Limited (SGMPT), alongside Ultra PRT, which has prior experience with pod taxi systems, notably at Heathrow Airport.

The proposed line will span approximately 8.8 kilometers and encompass a uniquely structured system of elevated stations with designated paid and unpaid areas. The layout allows passengers to purchase tickets, priced at rs. 21/KM at a dedicated concourse before accessing the paid section for boarding pods.

Notably, two pod depots are suggested within the BKC area: one at MMRDA Pay & Park near the Punjab National Bank and another at a similar facility near Dhirubhai Ambani International School and the Kurla pod taxi terminal will be adjacent to the Kurla railway station, and have a two-storey platform and concourse.

The Pod Taxi is set to run to and fro from Bandra to Kurla covering the G and E block of BKC along Mithi River then to Kalanagar. The said stations would be from Kurla Suburban Station then to NSE Junction, BKC Connector, MCA and US Consulate.

SGMPT plans to construct 38 stations over an 8.8 km corridor at a cost exceeding Rs 1,000 crore, as outlined in a detailed TEFS. The overall project will feature 54 stations across 13.5 km, including terminals at Bandra, Kurla, and Sion. Two interchanges will serve Metro riders at MTNL and NABARD. All pod stations will be elevated, with distinct paid and unpaid areas for ticket purchasing and boarding.

Proposed pod taxi depots are positioned at MMRDA Pay & Park locations near key urban sites. Kurla’s terminal, adjacent to the railway station, faces challenges due to dense development and narrow roads, while Bandra’s terminal features multiple platform levels and facilities. Additional stations recommended include Taximen’s Colony, CBI HQ, and others by 2041.

The project’s socio-economic impact focuses on promoting public transport over private vehicle use, enhancing life quality for economically disadvantaged groups reliant on costly transport. Health outcomes are expected to improve through reduced vehicle dependence, lowering respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Better mobility will provide access to job opportunities for weaker sections, boosting income and promoting independence for individuals with disabilities. The pod taxi initiative addresses urban transport challenges and aligns with sustainable development goals, reflecting MMRDA’s commitment to innovative urban mobility solutions. The BKC pod taxi project promises transformative benefits for Mumbai’s commuting landscape, fostering economic growth and improved lives.

New Delhi, Sep 23: As Ayushman Bharat marks seven years since its launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted that India is experiencing a revolution in public healthcare. He added that the initiative anticipated future needs and aimed to provide high-quality and affordable healthcare for the people.

PM Modi took to his social media platform X and said, “Today we mark #7YearsOfAyushmanBharat! This was an initiative that anticipated the needs of the future and focussed on ensuring top quality as well as affordable healthcare for people. Thanks to it, India is witnessing a revolution in public healthcare. It has ensured financial protection and dignity. India has shown how scale, compassion and technology can further human empowerment.”

PM Modi also shared a thread of posts from ‘MyGovIndia’ highlighting the outcomes of the scheme.

“True leadership in governance lies in anticipating the needs of tomorrow. As we mark 7 years of Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), India celebrates a healthcare revolution that has redefined delivery, ensuring financial protection, universal access and dignity in care for 55+ crore citizens. It is a programme creating the blueprint for how visionary policy can rewrite the destiny of public health,” the post added.

Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest health assurance scheme, has broken barriers to make universal health coverage a reality. Till now, over 55 crore citizens have been covered.

Cashless treatment is provided at the point of care, with no out-of-pocket burden. So far, over 42 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued, empowering families with accessible healthcare.

“A promise that protects generations: Government health expenditure rose from 29 per cent to 48 per cent, out-of-pocket costs dropped from 63 per cent to 39 per cent, millions of families were saved from financial ruin due to illness, and universal health coverage now extends to citizens aged over 70 years,” the post reads.

Over 81 lakh Vay Vandana Cards have been issued, 45 per cent of them to women. And, treatments worth Rs 496 crore have already been availed.

“Imagine a system where illness is stopped before it starts: 55+ crore screenings for hypertension, 48+ crore screenings for diabetes at Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs,” said MyGovIndia post.

Dialysis and major surgeries are now affordable for low-income families, says the government, adding that families saved Rs 10,000–15,000 per dialysis session, with a 90 per cent rise in access to cancer treatment.

Under the scheme, which focuses on diagnostics to wellness, free tests were made available at Sub Centres and PHCs (Primary Health Centres), over 5.7 crore sessions of yoga and meditation were held, and nearly 1.8 lakh Aarogya Mandirs were established, bringing healthcare home.

“Ayushman Bharat links: 4+ lakh healthcare facilities, nearly 7 lakh professionals, and 72+ crore health records. Till now, 81+ crore ABHA IDs and 41+ crore teleconsultations, ensuring care anytime, anywhere,” says the MyGovIndia post.

PM-JAY provides high-cost care and stability for vulnerable families. Till now, six crore Indians are protected from poverty every year.

The Economic Survey 2024–25 highlights the impact of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in reducing Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) through increased social security and primary health spending, with recorded savings of over Rs 1.25 lakh crore.

The report also states that government-supported insurance schemes like AB PM-JAY, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), and state-specific programs contribute 2.63 per cent to healthcare financing. The rise in government health spending has significantly reduced financial hardship for households.

Between Fiscal Year 2015 and Fiscal Year 2022, Government Health Expenditure (GHE) increased from 29.0 per cent to 48.0 per cent, while OOPE declined from 62.6 per cent to 39.4 per cent.

As of March 24, more than 36.9 crore Ayushman Cards have been created under the scheme.

Vivek Kumar Gupta – General Manager of Western Railway felicitated 12 employees at WR Headquarters, Mumbai for their outstanding work which resulted in safe train working. These employees were awarded for their alertness on duty and their valuable contributions in preventing untoward incidents, during the month of August, 2025 and thereby ensuring the safety of train operations. Out of the 12 employees, 02 each are from Mumbai Central, Vadodara, Ratlam, Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Bhavnagar Division.

According to Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway,  Vineet Abhishek,  Gupta appreciated the alertness of the staff who were being awarded and mentioned that they are exemplary role models for everyone to emulate.

The employees’ high level of commitment and dedication towards safe running of trains in various areas of safety such as detection of broken bolt, detection of smoke and spark underside of a coach/engine, track fracture, broken coupler body, dangling objects in wagons and Accident Relief Train (ART), application of emergency brakes before an open level cross gate to save untoward incidents, etc.

Western Railway commends all awardee employees for their quick thinking and alertness, which played a key role in preventing untoward events.