New Delhi: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has unveiled ambitious plans to transform public transportation in India’s major cities, including Delhi and Bengaluru, to address the growing problem of traffic congestion. Among the key proposals is the introduction of an aerial pod-based transport system on the busy Dhaula Kuan to Manesar corridor. This system will consist of small, driverless electric pods that run on elevated tracks and function like on-demand taxis, each capable of carrying five to six passengers directly to their destinations without any stops. A similar feasibility study is also underway in Bengaluru, a city notorious for its traffic jams, particularly during the monsoon season.
In addition to the pod system, Gadkari announced the launch of ultra-modern electric buses that feature flash-charging technology. These 135-seater executive-class buses, already being tested in Nagpur, can travel at speeds of up to 120 km/h and will recharge in just 30 seconds after every 40 kilometers. The quick-charging feature will allow for uninterrupted long-distance travel, and fares are expected to be 30% cheaper than conventional diesel buses due to lower battery usage. Gadkari said that if the Nagpur pilot is successful, similar electric bus services will be introduced on routes such as Delhi to Jaipur, Delhi to Dehradun, Bengaluru to Chennai, and Mumbai to Nashik and Pune.
Further, the minister shared plans to deploy double-decker electric buses in the hill states of Uttarakhand and Kashmir, aimed at connecting remote mountainous regions and boosting tourism. These initiatives, part of a broader push for sustainable, high-tech infrastructure, reflect the government’s focus on reducing pollution, improving travel efficiency, and offering cleaner, more affordable public transport options across the country.
