Vadodara is set to host the world’s first commercially ready suspended pod-car transport system, a futuristic solution aimed at decongesting urban roads. The Automated Pod-Car Advanced System is being developed in the city’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as a pilot project under the Make in India initiative. “The elevated pod-car transport service will play a crucial role in the future to solve the grappling issue of traffic congestion in the rapidly urbanising cities,” said Shiv Sena legislator and transport minister Pratap Sarnaik while reviewing the project’s progress. Developed by Nutran EV Mobility, the pod cars are based on the Futran system and operate on elevated tracks, allowing seamless movement above existing road networks without disrupting traffic. Each eco-friendly, automated pod-car can accommodate up to 20 passengers and travels at 60-70 km/h using onboard electric motors and battery systems. Sarnaik also expressed interest in launching a similar pilot project in Mira-Bhayandar, with potential expansion to other cities based on its success. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has formed a dedicated committee to establish national standards for Personal Rapid Transport (PRT) systems, including pod-cars. A similar PRT project is being implemented in Gujarat’s GIFT City under the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML).