CH NEWS
BENGALURU
Karnataka is exploring the use of elevated pod transport systems at tourism destinations and other space-constrained locations, following a study visit by a State delegation to Sharjah in the UAE.
The delegation, led by Energy and Tourism Minister K J George, examined the system’s technical design, operational model, passenger capacity, safety features and connectivity potential.
Unlike conventional road or rail infrastructure, the elevated system operates above ground and requires relatively little ground-level space. Officials discussed its possible use for internal mobility at tourism destinations, last-mile connectivity and areas where land acquisition could pose challenges.
Potential locations include major tourism destinations such as Hampi, hill stations and tourist sites located near urban areas. The technology could also be considered at places where limited land availability makes conventional infrastructure difficult.
George said the visit was aimed at studying emerging transport technologies being used globally and assessing their suitability for Karnataka.
“We will examine the technical, financial, safety and operational feasibility of the system we saw in Sharjah,” George said, adding that its application at selected locations would be explored.
Tourism Department Secretary Ram Prasath Manohar said technologies offering connectivity with a lower land footprint could be useful at select tourism destinations. He said a comprehensive feasibility study would examine local geography, passenger volumes, cost, maintenance and safety before locations are identified.
Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Chairman M Srinivas, Tourism Commissioner and KSTDC Managing Director Shivaprasad P R, and Tourism Minister’s Advisor Santrupt H V were among those present during the visit.
An elevated pod transport system, also known as Personal Rapid Transit or a pod taxi network, typically uses small, driverless electric vehicles operating on dedicated elevated tracks for point-to-point travel.