Proposed pod taxi project AT BKC to affect 499 trees

Mumbai: As many as 499 trees in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) area are set to be affected by the proposed pod taxi project, with most of the trees located along road dividers. The impact is linked to excavation work for the Automated Rapid Transit System (ARTS) Phase I, planned at Bandra (East) under the H/East ward. Of the affected trees, the BMC has proposed the removal of 117 trees to facilitate construction work. A public notice regarding the proposal was issued on Jan 20, 2026, followed by a mandatory public hearing on January 30, 2026.According to civic records, a total of 939 trees were surveyed at the project site, of which 499 are likely to be impacted by the excavation. These include 214 palm trees and 285 other species such as peltophorum, gulmohar and peepal. While permission has been sought to cut 117 trees, the BMC has stated that 382 trees will be replanted as part of compensatory afforestation, and 440 trees will be retained and protected during the execution of the project. Under the compensatory plantation plan, the saplings will be planted at Shirdon village in Panvel taluka of Raigad district, which falls within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).Civic officials said the proposal adheres to existing environmental norms and Tree Authority guidelines, and that attempts have been made to minimise ecological damage while ensuring timely completion of the project. The proposal will be placed before the Tree Authority for final clearance after the public consultation process.Officials said the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) submitted the proposal in October 2025. "These trees are being affected due to actual on-ground work. The average age of the trees is around 15 to 20 years. We also conducted site visits to assess whether more trees could be saved," a tree department official said.The project, approved during MMRDA's 156th Authority Meeting on 6 March 2024, is estimated to cost Rs. 1,016.34 crore and will be implemented on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis. The Pod Taxi project is based on a detailed Techno-Economic Feasibility Study (TEFS) commissioned by MMRDA, which evaluated multiple global transit technologies. The study, reviewed by Tata Consulting Engineers, recommended the Pod Taxi system for BKC considering the area's terrain and projected traffic growth. The system is expected to be commissioned in 2027.