CM Devendra Fadnavis: “Transform Urban Transport to Improve Citizens’ Ease of Living”

To enhance urban transport services and improve the Ease of Living for citizens, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called for a complete overhaul of the current urban transport system. He emphasized the need to establish a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) to achieve this transformation. Before enacting the legislation to create the authority, he instructed that public suggestions and objections be invited and considered.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Fadnavis stated that the government is working on multiple levels to address the persistent issue of traffic congestion in metropolitan areas. A well-integrated, affordable, and easily accessible public transport system plays a crucial role in resolving these challenges. Currently, transport services in cities are operated by various bodies such as municipal corporations, the state transport corporation, the railways, and metro services. For a passenger-friendly and seamless experience, there is a need for better coordination among these services.

The Chief Minister underscored the importance of setting up a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority to facilitate development and integration of transport services across cities. Through this authority, services can be synchronized, common fare structures can be introduced, and ongoing transport projects across cities can be better coordinated.

He further emphasized that the authority should have a dedicated Chief Executive Officer to ensure effective and independent functioning. While forming the law for the authority, care should be taken that it does not override existing state and central laws and rules related to transport. A single regulatory body will also help expedite completion of ongoing urban transport projects. The authority’s main aim should be to provide citizens with seamless last-mile connectivity and easy access to public transport.

CM Fadnavis also suggested that the mayors and commissioners of all municipal corporations be included in the authority. While the implementation of transport services would remain under the purview of individual municipal bodies, the authority would focus on planning and development. An executive committee under the authority should be formed, and in future, it could also serve as an advisory body to the government on urban transport expansion and planning.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting held at the Sahyadri Guest House, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) Sanjay Sethi, Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, MMRDA Additional Metropolitan Commissioner Ashwin Mudgal, and BEST CEO Srinivasan, among others.