A team deputed by the Union Government to implement the project for setting up a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) and an Urban Transport Fund (UTF) in major cities in India is scheduled to visit Kochi soon. The team will be led by consultants assigned by the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), including Allan Kennaird, Sumit Mishra and Sharad Singhai.
The visit by the consultants is to hold discussions with the representatives of the civic body, as well as various stakeholders in the city’s development, in connection with the formulation of the Operations Document for UMTA and the UTF project. The project is mooted by the MoUD as per the guidelines of the National Transport Policy.
Meanwhile, the Kochi Corporation authorities have decided to hold a special session 3 pm on Tuesday at the Council Hall, in connection with the scheduled visit of the consultants.The councillors, KMRL MD, the Collector, the City Police Commissioner, the RTO, Vyttila Mobility Hub society MD, the DTO, officials of KSRTC and office-bearers of Private Bus Association are expected to attend the session.
The primary objective of UMTA would be to coordinate traffic and transportation measures undertaken by various agencies to ensure that effective public transport system is in place for the city. UMTA will also integrate means of public transport and initiate steps for common ticketing and feeder services. It will appraise and recommend transport projects for the city with the help of the Central and State Governments in a Public Private Participation mode.
“The lack of better transportation facilities is one of the major problems faced by Kochi. We have already launched measures for the formation of a Metro Cochin Transport Authority to improve the city’s transport sector,” said Mayor Tony Chammany.