• Decks cleared for Rs 800-cr pilot Metrino project: Gadkari

    The ambitious pod taxi project is all set to move into the fast lane, with the government deciding to execute it under NHAI and four global firms qualifying in initial bids.

    The project — also known as Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) or Metrino — is one of its kind globally.

    “We are going to implement the Rs. 800-crore pilot project under NHAI. I had a meeting with Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu and it was finally decided that we can execute it under the NHAI Act. Previously, it was being explored whether to do it under the Tramways Act or the NHAI Act,” Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari told PTI.

    The minister said four initial tenders have been received and the government will soon invite financial bids for the Metrino project that will let passengers travel in driverless pods suspended on a ropeway in the national capital region.

    The pilot project will be for about Rs. 800 crore for a 12.3-km stretch from the Delhi-Haryana border on NH 8 (near Ambience Mall) to Badshahpur via Rajiv Chowk, IFFCO and Sohna Road.

    “Four global companies — one from London which has done work in this regard at the Heathrow airport, one from the UAE, one from the US and one from Poland have qualified in the initial technical bids. Once the road transport and highways ministry approves it, we will float financial bids,” an official told PTI.

    The official said there will be 13 stations on the 12.3-km stretch and five people would be able to travel in one pod.

    “Initially, we are planning 1,100 pods and the system will be such that if one has to travel from station 1 to 12th, on a specific command that particular pod would reach the 12th station without any halt,” the official explained.

    The Rs. 4,000-crore public transport project provides for travel in driver-less pods suspended on a ropeway in the NCR. Jarred Tinordi Authentic Jersey

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