In a bid to ease gridlock and curb emissions in major metros, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is assessing avant-garde transport systems, including elevated electric pods and ultra-rapid charging buses, according to Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Gadkari, who has overseen transport since 2014, revealed that 360 international proposals are under review, with pilot schemes already slated for Delhi and Bengaluru. He emphasised a shift toward zero-emission public transit powered by electricity.
Highlighting India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels costing over ₹22 lakh crore annually, Gadkari lamented society’s preference for comfort over collective mobility and stressed the need to make buses as attractive as private conveyances.
Central to this vision are sky pod taxis—driverless, deck-style electric vehicles carrying up to 135 passengers on elevated rails. Gadkari noted that 13 viable international technologies have been shortlisted, provided they meet proven performance and cost-effectiveness criteria. Nagpur will host the inaugural pilot, he added.
Another breakthrough is the flash-charging electric bus, wherein a high-speed charging module automatically engages at stops. Supplied by firms like Hitachi and Siemens, the system replenishes a bus’s energy in 30 seconds, enabling a 40-km range per charge. These air-conditioned coaches will even feature onboard hostesses and beverage services, blending luxury with sustainability.
As India races toward cleaner, smarter mass mobility, these cutting-edge initiatives could redefine urban commuting—balancing speed, comfort, and environmental responsibility.
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