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Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Delhi plans unified transport authority to streamline mobility, integrate metro, RRTS, buses
Delhi government is planning to establish a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) to enhance coordination among various public transport agencies. Officials said that the body's main task would be to streamline project implementation and boost communication between govt departments. Several agencies work in the mobility sector in Delhi, including the transport department, Delhi Metro and the Rapid Regional Transport System (RRTS). The official said some of UMTA's functions would be to oversee the implementation of various traffic and transportation measures undertaken by various agencies in the region, to integrate various routes of public transport and to take up issues such as combined ticketing and feeder services. Officials said that govt had already made up its mind in this direction, and the proposal was supposed to be brought before the cabinet, but it was later felt that it could be brought into existence without cabinet approval as well. The transport department is working on the plan. There are some other departments that are connected to this issue in some way or another. These include the Delhi Pollution Control Board , traffic police, finance department and urban development department. A task force is being formed, which will have representatives from different agencies working in the transport sector. It will also comprise representatives from all agencies and departments at the local, state, and centre levels, performing any urban transport function for the particular city. "Currently, each agency plans according to its functioning, but UMTA will also ensure geographical integration by including the entire Urban Mobility Area in its jurisdiction and planning purview," said another official. "It will work toward resolving overlapping roles and unclear ownership among transport agencies. Its main objective is to connect various means of transportation like buses, trains, and metro, making travel easier and more efficient for people." UMTA's functions will also include making and implementing plans to reduce traffic congestion in metropolitan areas and ensure smooth traffic flow. Among its functions also are promoting the use of public transportation and encouraging people to use public transport instead of private vehicles. Officials said that the previous govt faced criticism for delays and disputes regarding payments to other govt agencies. These issues would also be tackled by the body in a more coordinated way. The earlier govt's delay in contributing its share towards metro Phase IV projects was a point of contention. Anil Chhikara, faculty at the Asian Institute of Transport Development, said, "Delhi, being the national capital, has layers of transport, be it metro railway, RRTS or the train network. There are different agencies handling their operation and working in silos. So it is important that a unified body exists. One thing that often gets ignored is road safety. So if such a body comes, it should specifically work in this direction."
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Delhi shifts gears: Greenlights Unified Transport Authority to steer city out of traffic jams
The Delhi government is moving ahead with plans to establish a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) aimed at improving coordination among the multiple public transport and mobility agencies operating in the city, reported TOI. The new authority will focus on enhancing communication, integrating systems, and reducing overlapping functions among various departments. A single umbrella for urban transport planning Officials told the news outlet the proposed UMTA will serve as a centralised body to oversee and integrate the work of key agencies such as the Delhi Transport Department, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and the Rapid Regional Transport System (RRTS). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens Tips and Tricks The authority's primary mandate will be to streamline project implementation, manage traffic and transportation initiatives , and ensure cohesive planning across departments. "Currently, each agency plans according to its functioning, but UMTA will also ensure geographical integration by including the entire Urban Mobility Area in its jurisdiction and planning purview," said another official. Live Events "It will work toward resolving overlapping roles and unclear ownership among transport agencies . Its main objective is to connect various means of transportation like buses, trains, and metro, making travel easier and more efficient for people,' an official explained to TOI. The authority will not require cabinet approval for its establishment, with officials noting that the government has already resolved to move forward with the plan. A task force is being formed, comprising representatives from various city, state, and central transport agencies and departments, including the Delhi Pollution Control Board, traffic police, finance, and urban development departments. Focus on congestion, public transport use UMTA will also be tasked with formulating strategies to reduce traffic congestion and encourage public transportation over private vehicle use. Its responsibilities will include long-term planning for sustainable urban mobility and ensuring smooth inter-agency cooperation, especially in areas like funding and implementation delays. Officials pointed to in the report that past conflicts, such as the former government's delay in contributing to Metro Phase IV, as examples of issues UMTA could help resolve. The goal is to prevent duplication, delays, and disputes between departments. Anil Chhikara, faculty at the Asian Institute of Transport Development, told TOI that he welcomed the move: "Delhi, being the national capital, has layers of transport, be it metro railway, RRTS or the train network. There are different agencies handling their operation and working in silos. So it is important that a unified body exists. One thing that often gets ignored is road safety. So if such a body comes, it should specifically work in this direction." With Delhi's transport network expanding rapidly, the creation of UMTA is expected to bring much-needed coordination, policy alignment, and better service delivery for commuters across the capital.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
One City, One Commute: Delhi To Have Unified Transport Authority
New Delhi: Delhi govt is planning to establish a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) to enhance coordination among various public transport agencies. Officials said that the body's main task would be to streamline project implementation and boost communication between govt departments. Several agencies work in the mobility sector in Delhi, including the transport department, Delhi Metro and the Rapid Regional Transport System (RRTS). The official said some of UMTA's functions would be to oversee the implementation of various traffic and transportation measures undertaken by various agencies in the region, to integrate various routes of public transport and to take up issues such as combined ticketing and feeder services. Officials said that govt had already made up its mind in this direction, and the proposal was supposed to be brought before the cabinet, but it was later felt that it could be brought into existence without cabinet approval as well. The transport department is working on the plan. There are some other departments that are connected to this issue in some way or another. These include the Delhi Pollution Control Board, traffic police, finance department and urban development department. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Order New Blinds Online & Get $199 Home Installation Learn More Undo A task force is being formed, which will have representatives from different agencies working in the transport sector. It will also comprise representatives from all agencies and departments at the local, state, and centre levels, performing any urban transport function for the particular city. "Currently, each agency plans according to its functioning, but UMTA will also ensure geographical integration by including the entire Urban Mobility Area in its jurisdiction and planning purview," said another official. "It will work toward resolving overlapping roles and unclear ownership among transport agencies. Its main objective is to connect various means of transportation like buses, trains, and metro, making travel easier and more efficient for people. " UMTA's functions will also include making and implementing plans to reduce traffic congestion in metropolitan areas and ensure smooth traffic flow. Among its functions also are promoting the use of public transportation and encouraging people to use public transport instead of private vehicles. Officials said that the previous govt faced criticism for delays and disputes regarding payments to other govt agencies. These issues would also be tackled by the body in a more coordinated way. The earlier govt's delay in contributing its share towards metro Phase IV projects was a point of contention. Anil Chhikara, faculty at the Asian Institute of Transport Development, said, "Delhi, being the national capital, has layers of transport, be it metro railway, RRTS or the train network. There are different agencies handling their operation and working in silos. So it is important that a unified body exists. One thing that often gets ignored is road safety. So if such a body comes, it should specifically work in this direction. "
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Delhi's e-rickshaw crisis: Numbering over 1.2L, why they should be city's last option for last-mile connect?
Representative AI image NEW DELHI: E-rickshaws are not a menace only the roads. They are also proving hazardous when parked or when their batteries are being recharged. Incidents related to charging are on the rise. In one incident reported last month, two people died after a fire broke out at a charging station in Shahdara. In another, a woman died and five people were injured when charging triggered a blaze in Farsh Bazar. While officially Delhi is estimated to have around 1.2 lakh registered e-rickshaws, the actual number that are operating could well be double the figure. Experts have serious concerns about safety and regulatory gaps in the e-rickshaw sector, particularly about the hazardous conditions of charging stations due to poor maintenance. Anil Chhikara, transport and vehicle expert, said some e-rickshaw drivers and owners have been observed to remove the original batteries and replace them with cheaper lead-acid batteries. "The latter batteries, when overcharged, can leak sulfuric acid — a highly corrosive substance that can cause severe burns or damage materials and people nearby," he said. The expert called for a thorough review and revision of the existing policies and regulations governing e-rickshaws, pointing out that in many cases, the charging points for e-rickshaws were neither secure nor compliant with safety standards. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free Solitaire. No Ads Ever. Play Solitaire Download Undo "There have been numerous instances when charging stations were found to be operating illegally, without any regulatory oversight or adherence to basic safety protocols," claimed Chhikara. The lack of dedicated charging stations in the city has also contributed to the increase in fires related to charging. SP Singh, vehicle expert, rued there were no concrete policies governing e-rickshaws, the first electric vehicles launched in the country. "There are proper charging stations for other electric vehicles, but not for e-rickshaws," noted Singh. "The places where these three-wheelers charge are not meant for that purpose and do not comply with safety standards. E-rickshaws get charged in large numbers at locations that have no awareness of or adherence to safety regulations." Singh also pointed out e-rickshaw drivers do not receive any training on safe charging practices or the precautions they should take while charging. "Delhi govt must establish separate fast charging stations across the city for e-rickshaws," he said. Lack of quality control in the e-rickshaw sector is also a major problem. Balraj Bhanot, former director, ARAI, and chairman, Transport Engineering Divisional Council, Bureau of Indian Standards, highlighted significant challenges faced by the e-vehicle manufacturing industry, particularly with regard to three-wheeler e-rickshaws. He noted that the industry was fragmented and decentralised across the country to meet local demands and often operated without adequate quality control. Firefighters said that when charging was carried out in residential buildings, the threat of accidents was higher. Atul Garg, director, Delhi Fire Service, reiterated that charging stations located in residential buildings always faced a significant risk of short circuits. He attributed the risks to use of poor-quality electrical equipment, improper or outdated wiring and overloading of the electricity setup. E-rickshaws have rapidly gained a notoriety for being unruly and reckless on the streets, frequently violating traffic rules and disrupting the smooth flow of traffic by clogging roads. Last year, Delhi Traffic Police recorded an increase of 47% in bookings related to violation of road laws by e-rickshaws. The number of offences rose sharply from 2,08,130 cases in 2023 to 3,05,959 in 2024. To curb the growth of illegal e-rickshaws, Delhi govt's transport department decided last year to scrap impounded and unregistered e-rickshaws within seven days if their owners did not apply for registration. The process previously allowed a leeway of 90 days for compliance.
