Bandra Kurla Complex Pod Taxi Project to Impact Nearly 500 Trees
The ambitious pod taxi project planned for Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) is set to have a significant environmental impact, with civic authorities confirming that 499 trees in the area will be affected by the construction work. The majority of these trees are located along road dividers within the bustling business district.
Detailed Breakdown of Tree Impact
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the tree impact is directly linked to excavation work required for Phase I of the Automated Rapid Transit System (ARTS). This phase is specifically planned for the Bandra (East) area under the H/East ward jurisdiction.
Of the 499 trees identified for impact, the BMC has formally proposed the removal of 117 trees to facilitate essential construction activities. The civic body issued a public notice regarding this proposal on January 20, 2026, followed by a mandatory public hearing scheduled for January 30, 2026.
Comprehensive Tree Survey and Species Analysis
Civic records reveal that a thorough survey was conducted at the project site, examining a total of 939 trees. From this comprehensive assessment, 499 trees were identified as likely to be impacted by the excavation work.
- 214 palm trees are among the affected vegetation
- 285 trees of other species including peltophorum, gulmohar, and peepal trees
While permission has been formally sought to cut 117 trees, the BMC has outlined a detailed mitigation plan that includes:
- 382 trees will be replanted as part of compensatory afforestation efforts
- 440 trees will be retained and protected during project execution
Compensatory Afforestation Plan
Under the compensatory plantation strategy, saplings will be planted at Shirdon village in Panvel taluka of Raigad district. This location falls within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), ensuring the environmental compensation remains within the broader metropolitan area.
Environmental Compliance and Project Details
Civic officials have emphasized that the proposal strictly adheres to existing environmental norms and Tree Authority guidelines. "Attempts have been made to minimise ecological damage while ensuring timely completion of the project," stated a BMC representative.
The proposal will be presented before the Tree Authority for final clearance following the completion of the public consultation process. Officials confirmed that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) originally submitted the proposal in October 2025.
"These trees are being affected due to actual on-ground work requirements. The average age of the impacted trees is approximately 15 to 20 years. We conducted multiple site visits to assess whether additional trees could be preserved," explained a tree department official.
Project Background and Implementation
The pod taxi project received formal approval during MMRDA's 156th Authority Meeting held on March 6, 2024. The project carries an estimated cost of Rs. 1,016.34 crore and will be implemented on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis.
The innovative transit system is based on a detailed Techno-Economic Feasibility Study (TEFS) commissioned by MMRDA, which evaluated multiple global transit technologies. This comprehensive study, reviewed by Tata Consulting Engineers, specifically recommended the Pod Taxi system for BKC after considering the area's unique terrain characteristics and projected traffic growth patterns.
The automated pod taxi system is expected to be commissioned in 2027, representing a significant infrastructure advancement for Mumbai's premier business district while navigating the complex balance between development and environmental preservation.
