Haridwar, Sept. 29 -- After two years of opposition to the aerial pod-taxi project, the trader community in Haridwar has agreed to a modified "Pod-car" rapid transit system for the city's congested lanes, following discussions with Mayor Kiran Jaisal. The original plan proposed an aerial, pillar-based pod-taxi system from Jwalapur to Har-ki-Pauri, ferrying four to six passengers per pod. However, traders and stakeholders raised objections, demanding that the route be shifted away from the Devpura-Har-ki-Pauri stretch to the outer highway. Several meetings over the past months, chaired by the district magistrate with representatives of the Ganga Sabha, local trader unions, Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, and other organisations, failed to resolve the concerns. Mayor Jaisal proposed an on-road Pod-car system instead, which the traders have now accepted. The system is expected to provide a rapid, modern mode of transport for residents, traders, pilgrims and tourists, helping ease congestion in the city's busiest areas. "As the Ardh Kumbh fair approaches, the city needs better infrastructure. The Pod-car is an effective solution for rapid transport. Traders' apprehensions have been addressed, and the project will now be pursued at the state government level for Upper Road, Haridwar," said Mayor Jaisal. Traders' representative Tej Prakash Sahu added, "We have full faith in the Mayor to implement a modern transport system without affecting any shops or establishments in the area."...