Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced the formation of a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA).
This initiative aims to streamline and integrate the fragmented public transport systems across major cities, with Mumbai likely to be the first in line for implementation. The announcement comes at a critical juncture when rising vehicular density, inconsistent fare structures, and a lack of last-mile connectivity have made commuting increasingly unsustainable for millions of urban dwellers. With multiple agencies—including municipal corporations, state-run buses, metro authorities, and the Indian Railways—operating in silos, passengers often face confusion, inefficiencies, and long travel times.
By establishing a centralised authority, the state intends to harmonise planning, coordination, and fare policies across all public transport operators. Speaking at a high-level planning session, Fadnavis emphasised that the proposed body will serve as both a facilitator and a regulator, ensuring passenger-centric governance. “It is necessary that transport services, currently functioning through various authorities, be brought under one roof for effective development,” he said. The new entity will not replace existing operators but will function as a strategic layer to unify planning and decision-making. The UMTA will take charge of long-term transport development, including the integration of mobility solutions like metro systems, bus rapid transit (BRT), suburban railways, and shared mobility services. The chief minister also recommended that a CEO be appointed to head the authority, ensuring continuity, leadership, and accountability.
Critically, the authority is being envisioned with inclusivity and decentralised planning in mind. It will include mayors and municipal commissioners from participating cities and will act as an advisory body to the state government. The structure has been designed to be collaborative rather than hierarchical, promoting coordination without disrupting existing governance frameworks. From a sustainable cities standpoint, the move aligns with India’s broader push toward zero-carbon urban development. Unified transport systems reduce redundancies, cut fuel use, and offer a smoother commuter experience. By optimising routes, encouraging modal shifts from private vehicles to public transit, and improving access for differently-abled and underserved communities, the UMTA has the potential to be a catalyst for equitable and climate-conscious mobility.
To strengthen public trust and ensure stakeholder involvement, the chief minister has proposed that the draft structure and framework of the UMTA be shared for public feedback. This participatory approach marks a departure from top-down urban planning and seeks to make citizens active contributors to the mobility solutions of their cities. As cities like Mumbai look to reinvent themselves as sustainable urban ecosystems, this unified authority could prove to be a landmark policy intervention—prioritising clean, accessible, and smart mobility for all.
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