The Delhi government has initiated the legislative groundwork for a unified transport governance framework, marking a decisive shift in how the capital plans, funds, and manages urban mobility. The proposed law would establish a single metropolitan transport authority alongside a dedicated urban transport fund, aiming to address long-standing coordination gaps across Delhi’s complex transit ecosystem.Â
The move comes at a time when Delhi’s transport networks are under growing strain from population growth, rising vehicle ownership, and climate-linked air quality pressures. By consolidating planning and decision-making under one statutory body, policymakers intend to replace fragmented oversight with an integrated approach that aligns infrastructure investment, service delivery, and long-term sustainability goals. Senior officials involved in the process indicate that a high-level interdepartmental task force has been formed to prepare the draft legislation. The group draws representation from transport, urban development, finance, public works, planning, and policing agencies, alongside key civic and mobility institutions. The mandate is to design a governance model capable of synchronising metro rail, bus systems, regional rail, road networks, and non-motorised transport within a single strategic framework.
Urban planners have long argued that Delhi’s mobility challenges cannot be resolved through isolated projects or mode-specific investments. Multiple agencies currently oversee different components of the transport system, often leading to misaligned priorities, delayed execution, and inefficient use of public funds. The proposed Delhi transport authority seeks to address these inefficiencies by placing all major mobility decisions within one accountable institution. Equally significant is the plan to establish a dedicated urban transport fund, which would create a predictable financing stream for mobility projects. Infrastructure economists note that ring-fenced funding is essential for scaling public transport, improving last-mile connectivity, and supporting cleaner technologies without excessive reliance on annual budget allocations.
The drafting process is also expected to draw on external expertise. Officials have indicated that specialists in urban transport and mobility systems may be consulted to ensure the framework reflects global best practices while remaining grounded in Delhi’s local realities. Such an approach could help balance efficiency with inclusivity, particularly for commuters dependent on affordable public transport.
From a built environment perspective, integrated transport governance has implications beyond mobility. Better coordination can support transit-oriented development, reduce car dependency, and improve access to jobs and services across the city. Real estate and infrastructure analysts suggest that predictable transport planning also improves investor confidence in commercial and residential corridors linked to mass transit.
As the draft legislation takes shape, attention will turn to how effectively the proposed authority balances autonomy with accountability. If implemented as intended, the Delhi transport authority could become a foundational institution for building a more resilient, low-emission, and people-first urban mobility system one capable of keeping pace with the capital’s evolving economic and environmental demands.
Delhi transport authority bill advances mobility reformÂ
