Source : The Hindu Date : 20.06.2009
Need for clarity on Unified Metro Transport Authority
Highlighting the importance of setting up Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA), Dr. M. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development said it should, however, be tailored to suit our needs.
Some of the state governments have already set up UMTAs either on the basis of administrative decision as in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Chennai or through a legislative process as in Hyderabad, he said at a three-day workshop on UMTA in Bangalore.
The actual implementation of UMTAs and their efficacy would, however, need some more clarity, he said. “While there is a need for such a body, it is also important that we design this institution to best suit our needs,” he said.
Under the JNNURM package, 15,000 buses will be released in 60 cities in the next three months. Similar reform condition is now being made mandatory for all metro projects as well, he said.-PTI
