Latest update:10 January 2026, 12:37 IST

The proposed taxi service in Mumbai aims to improve last mile connectivity and connectivity of Thane, Navi Mumbai and Mira Bhayandar.

Taxi services are not available in Mumbai yet. (Image source: X)

Have you started taxis in Mumbai? A video circulating on social media claims this. The clip posted on X shows a person traveling through what appears to be a taxi service. Travelers can choose their itinerary with just a touch of their fingers. Taxi services stop at stations similar to the metro stations in Al Maqta. The clip claimed that passengers can travel on the trial route, from Nariman Point to BKC, for just Rs 50. But there is a problem. The video was created by artificial intelligence. Currently, there are no taxis available in the financial capital of India.

The video comes months after the Maharashtra government announced a taxi service to address growing traffic congestion in Mumbai. Also known as personal rapid transit (PRT), these small, automated, driverless electric vehicles can carry two to six passengers at a time. Operates on dedicated elevated tracks to provide point-to-point service.

Will Pod Taxi services start in India from January 2026?

No, as of January 2026, taxi services have not started anywhere in the country.

What is the project status in Maharashtra?

India’s first minicab network was approved by the Maharashtra government in late 2025. It aims to connect Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira and Bhayandar under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The foundation stone laying ceremony (bhoomi pujan) may be held within six months of November 2025, and construction could begin by March 2026.

Currently, feasibility studies are underway for last-mile connectivity for routes such as the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).

What are the viral claims about taxis in Mumbai?

Recent videos on social media claim that taxis have been launched in Mumbai; These are fake clips generated by artificial intelligence.

So far, no operational services or trial routes, such as Nariman Point to BKC, have started.

Has Mumbai started any trial of Pod Taxi from January 2026?

As of January 2026, no trial run of taxis has been started in Mumbai.

What is the current progress of Pod Taxi projects in Mumbai?

MMRDA and the Maharashtra government are conducting feasibility studies and early surveys for the routes connecting Navi Mumbai, Thane, Mira-Bhiyandar and BKC. Groundbreaking ceremonies could begin within six months, with May 2026 a possible target. Construction could begin in March of this year.

Is there any connection to Ferrar?

No, the plans for Virar are in place yet. Taxis have been suggested in the nearby Mira Bhayandar area. This could benefit passengers living in Virar through improved regional connections.

The service will use driverless electric pods to transport between 3 and 6 passengers.

What are the proposed features of Pod taxis?

The taxis will be driverless electric vehicles that can carry 5-8 passengers. They can travel on elevated tracks at a speed of 40 km/h. The service aims to improve last mile connectivity in Mumbai.

The BKC corridor may include 21 stations with a length of 8 km, all of which will be integrated with the metro and railways under the public-private partnership model.

What is the expected timeline for Pod Taxi operations?

Current project projections aim to achieve full operations in 2027 for areas such as BKC. However, no experimental or experimental trials have been reported to date.

Recent headlines have used the word “launch” to endorse the project, not the start of the actual taxi service.

Are taxis planned on the outskirts of Vasai or Virar?

At the moment, no taxis have been confirmed in Vasai or Virar suburbs. However, Thane has been included in the master road plans, which could improve connectivity for people in Vasai and Virar as well. The suggested rates are around Rs 21-30 per km or for short trips of 1-2 km.

What are the coverage details of the approved network?

The approved network will primarily connect Thane, Navi Mumbai and Mira Bhayandar.

MMRDA is considering expansions, but as of now, there are no specific mentions of Vasai-Virar in the plans. The area’s proximity to Mira-Bhayandar may enable future expansions.

What is the fare structure for taxis?

Studies recommend Rs 21 per km for BKC roads, with annual increases of 4 per cent. This will be cheaper than Uber/Ola (Rs 80-100 for 2-3 km) but more expensive than cars (Rs 15-18 per km). The suggested fare on Thane-Mira routes is Rs 30 for distances between 1-2 km.

What is the timeline and model for building and operating the taxis?

Construction could begin by March 2026 under a public-private partnership model, and operations are expected to begin in 2027.

The service will be combined with metro, buses and trains to improve last-mile suburban connectivity.

Is Navi Mumbai included in the planned taxi network?

Yes, Navi Mumbai is one of the major parts of the planned taxi network. The specific suburbs in the district that will be part of the service are yet to be announced, as MMRDA is still finalizing the routes and stations.

What are the planned routes for taxis?

The 52-km network will connect Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira Bhayandar. It will have 63 stations in densely populated residential and commercial areas.

A pilot portion of Bhayandar Pada Metro station (Ghodbunder Road) has been proposed to Thane’s Vihang Hills circle, which will be integrated with metro and buses.

What is the suburban focus of Pod Taxi stations?

The stations will be located in the densely populated suburbs of Navi Mumbai. This aims to reduce road congestion and improve last mile connectivity without any major land acquisition.

Mira-Bhayandar (estimate Rs 1,000 crore) and areas like Thane’s Vihang Hills are targeted for early rollout.

What are the next steps for the Pod Taxi project?

MMRDA is coordinating feasibility studies with local bodies. Operations could begin by 2027 under current estimates, but no official date has been announced.

Are Pod taxis planned from Nariman Point to BKC?

Although these claims are widespread, they mostly refer to a fake demo video. Taxis from Nariman Point to BKC are not planned yet.

What are the details of the BKC project?

Separate BKC taxi refers to a 8-8.8 km long elevated corridor, with 21-38 stations, from Bandra Railway Station to Kurla Railway Station. It will serve BKC locations like NSE, Jio Global Centre, SEBI and Kalanagar.

What is the Pod Taxi Mainnet?

The approved backbone network connects the suburbs of Thane, Navi Mumbai and Mira Bhayandar. South Mumbai areas like Nariman Point are not part of the network yet.

The BKC project is a potential pilot or model project, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,000 crore – Rs 1,016 crore.

What is the status and prices of BKC Pod taxi?

No trials have been conducted yet. Surveys and drone approvals for BKC are underway, with construction likely to begin in 2026 and operations within three years.

The proposed fare is Rs 21 per km, which makes it lower than Uber/Ola fares.

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