Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 26: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday called for a complete overhaul of urban transport systems across metropolitan cities and proposed the establishment of a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) to enhance the ease of living for citizens.

Chairing a key meeting to review the proposed authority, CM Fadnavis stressed the urgent need for integrated and commuter-friendly transportation. “To address traffic congestion, we need a seamless, affordable, and accessible public transport system,” he said.

He directed that before passing the legislation to form UMTA, the state should seek public suggestions and objections. He also proposed that the authority be headed by an independent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for effective governance.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the new legislation must align with existing state and central laws and suggested that UMTA serve as a single regulatory body to ensure faster completion of ongoing transport projects.

Highlighting last-mile connectivity as a key focus, Fadnavis proposed the inclusion of mayors and municipal commissioners from all metro cities in the authority to better reflect local needs in broader transport plans. While planning will be centralised, implementation will remain with respective municipal corporations.

An executive committee will be formed under UMTA, and in the future, it may also function as an advisory body to the state government on transport planning and expansion.

Currently, multiple agencies including municipal corporations, the state transport body, metro operators, and the railways operate independently. Fadnavis stressed that a unified authority would ensure better coordination, enable a unified fare system, and streamline urban transport development across Maharashtra.