Latest news with #UnifiedMetropolitanTransportAuthority
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."
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Delhi plans to set up Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority to boost last-mile connectivity
To rationalise traffic movement and improve last-mile connectivity, the Delhi Government is planning to set up a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA). This authority will coordinate with various departments responsible for different modes of transport—such as the metro, buses, traffic management, and others—to ensure seamless integration and efficient urban mobility. UMTA will conduct surveys and make a unified plan to integrate all transport modes, so that if a commuter steps out of the Metro, the person can easily access a bus or an auto-rickshaw for last-mile connectivity without any hassle, said an officer. Setting up UMTA was one of the key poll promises of the BJP's manifesto in the run-up to the Delhi Assembly polls in February. According to officials, the transport department is working on an Urban Transport Policy under which a unified body and a task force would be set up to coordinate with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and other transportation-managing authorities. 'The transport department had already made a proposal to establish UMTA in April and sent it to the minister for approval. The minister has accorded his approval. However, the Finance and Planning Department asked for more details and clearance in the Cabinet note. The department is currently working on it. Once it is done, the proposal will be sent for comments again, and after that, it will be forwarded for Cabinet approval,' a senior official. 'Currently, Delhi is becoming a transportation hub with metro, bus, rapid rail, and feeder services. For instance, there are areas where buses don't go. In these areas, people rely on mini buses, Gramin Sevas, or e-rickshaws. But there is no coordination between departments, due to which several routes are heavily congested, especially the bus terminals and railway stations,' said an officer. During the previous government's tenure, a route rationalisation study was carried out in the Najafgarh area and outer Delhi parts to improve last-mile connectivity and to address transportation shortages. Under the new project, the government plans to conduct a comprehensive study of the entire city, including routes, vehicles, and modes of transport currently operating. Accordingly, a new rationalised and segregated plan will be developed for implementation, said an officer. Additionally, there are plans for the introduction of digital ticketing through the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) across all modes of transport, the officer stated. 'If all modes are streamlined, the commuting will improve and it will also push people towards using public transportation, which will eventually reduce congestion and curb pollution,' he added.
Time of India
3 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. "
