Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the establishment of a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) in the state on Friday. During a meeting, he proposed that the final decision on the authority be made after soliciting public feedback.
The government is working at various levels to solve the problem of traffic congestion in metropolitan cities permanently. Transport services in various metropolitan cities are being operated through municipal corporations, state transport corporations, railways, and metro authorities. It is essential to streamline these services for passenger-oriented transport. To develop and expand transport services in cities, the establishment of a UMTA is necessary.
The CM added that through this authority, it will be easier to coordinate a single fare for different transport services and manage ongoing transport projects in the cities. To ensure smooth functioning, Fadnavis suggested creating a chief executive officer (CEO) position for the UMTA. He also noted that the new law for the authority should not undermine existing transport rules at the state and central levels.
The UMTA will be responsible for coordinating transport services in cities and ensuring better ‘last-mile connectivity.’ While the respective municipal corporations will continue to manage the implementation of transport services, the authority will focus on planning and development. The authority will include mayors and municipal commissioners from various cities and will also act as an advisor to the government in the future.
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