New Delhi, March 21 (IANS): Delhi Metro Chief Mangu Singh Friday highlighted the need for a unified transport authority and the importance of city-level governance to look after issues related to the transport sector.

"In our country, we formally recognise two levels of government -- the state and centre. The third level -- city government -- is hardly existing. There is no unified authority that can control things related to the transport sector," said Singh at the Confederation of Indian Industry International Conference on Urban Mass Transportation here.

He said an inefficient transport system is harmful for the economy as a lot of money is spent on importing fuel from other countries.

"The transport scenario in our major cities is such that there is heavy congestion on the roads," said Singh.

"Apart from the man hours lost in transit, the pollution level is increasing," he added.

"There is a lack of an overall unified transport authority. And in this scenario, an efficient public transport system is the only solution," Singh added.

The conference provided a platform for industry professionals to come together and address issues pertaining to the transport sector, and find solutions that can help improve the quality and effectiveness of land transport systems.