Kalyan-Dombivli may get Pod Taxi network; feasibility survey ordered, says MP Shrikant Shinde

Kalyan: In a significant move aimed at strengthening urban mobility and improving last-mile connectivity, Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde has announced that a feasibility survey has been initiated for introducing a pod taxi system in the Kalyan-Dombivli region.Shinde made the announcement while visiting the historic Pimpleshwar Temple in Dombivli. The visit came shortly after the state govt approved the transfer of 4.5 acres of land from MIDC to the temple trust, a long-pending demand of devotees and local residents. Addressing citizens and devotees during the visit, Shinde said the proposed pod taxi system could become a game changer for commuters travelling between railway stations, metro stations and residential neighbourhoods across the twin cities.Drawing a comparison with Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), where the pod taxi project has already advanced beyond the tendering stage, Shinde said the concept is no longer futuristic but is gradually becoming a reality."When we first discussed pod taxis in BKC, many people were doubtful. Today, work orders have been issued and the project is moving forward. We now want to explore the same advanced technology for Kalyan-Dombivli, and a survey has been directed for this purpose," he said.According to Shinde, the primary objective of the project is to address the long-standing challenge of last-mile connectivity faced by thousands of daily commuters. He pointed out that many areas in Kalyan and Dombivli are connected through narrow internal roads where conventional public transport services face operational limitations.The proposed pod taxi network would enable commuters arriving by local trains or the upcoming metro system to seamlessly travel to destinations closer to their homes and workplaces. The automated transport system is expected to complement the existing and planned public transport infrastructure in the region.Highlighting the rapid transformation underway in the constituency, Shinde said several major infrastructure projects are progressing simultaneously, including road widening works, metro connectivity and the under-construction double-decker flyover.Shinde added that the long-term vision is to create a comprehensive multimodal transport ecosystem in Kalyan-Dombivli, integrating roads, railways, metro services and inland water transport.