Revamping Urban Transport for Enhanced ‘Ease of Living’: Maharashtra CM
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Synopsis
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis advocates for a complete transformation of urban transport services to enhance citizens' ease of living, proposing the establishment of a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) to streamline operations and tackle traffic congestion.
Key Takeaways
- Establishment of UMTA for better urban transport.
- Focus on last-mile connectivity to improve accessibility.
- Public feedback is essential before law enactment.
- Independent CEO for effective authority functioning.
- Coordination among various transport agencies is crucial.
Mumbai, April 25 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday highlighted the urgent requirement for a comprehensive overhaul of urban transport services to enhance citizens’ ease of living and instructed the creation of a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) to facilitate this initiative.
He further mentioned that to tackle the ongoing issue of traffic congestion in metropolitan areas, the state government is addressing it on several fronts.
A vital aspect of this approach is to deliver an affordable, easily accessible, and cohesive public transport system.
He noted that prior to implementing the legislation for the establishment of the authority, it is crucial to gather and consider public feedback and objections. He also presided over a meeting to evaluate the formation of the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority.
CM Fadnavis suggested that the authority should appoint an independent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to ensure effective operations.
He stressed that the proposed law should align with existing state and central regulations. The unified authority would act as a single regulatory entity, ensuring the swift completion of ongoing transport projects in urban settings.
He stated that the authority’s mission would be to guarantee reliable, convenient, and comprehensive transport services, particularly concentrating on enhancing last-mile connectivity.
He proposed that mayors and municipal commissioners from all metropolitan corporations should be included in the authority to synchronize local demands with larger transport strategies.
While the authority will be tasked with planning and development, the actual execution of transport services will continue to be managed by the respective municipal corporations.
An executive committee should also be established within the authority. In the future, the authority may serve as a consultative body to the state government regarding the planning and expansion of transport services, according to the chief minister.
The chief minister pointed out that at present, various agencies—including municipal corporations, the state transport corporation, the railways, and metro operators—are independently managing transport services across different cities.
He underscored the necessity for enhanced coordination to create a commuter-centric transport system. A unified authority, he asserted, would streamline operations, implement a unified fare system, and coordinate the planning and development of transport projects within urban areas.
