Maharashtra to set up Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority to plan, regulate urban mobility schemes

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting in Mumbai, where Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) Sanjay Sethi, Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, MMRDA Additional Metropolitan Commissioner Ashwin Mudgal, and BEST General Manager SVR Srinivasan were present.

“Major cities are now served by several agencies—municipal corporations, state transport undertakings, Metro rail, and railways. A strong need exists for coordination among these agencies to provide commuter-friendly services. A unified transport authority will serve to integrate the services, allowing single-ticket systems, improved planning, and speedier project implementation,” Fadnavis stated.

He explained that the new authority will not substitute current transport or municipal bodies, but coexist with them to plan and coordinate development.

“The respective local bodies will continue to perform the execution of transport services. The role of the authority would be planning, development, integration of infrastructure and also advisory in nature to the government in the long term,” he added.

“Urban transport lies at the heart of the city’s living convenience. We require foundational reforms to provide quick, easy, and affordable mobility solutions for all. This authority will assist in bridging gaps, harmonise efforts, and push implementation,” Fadnavis said.

The development comes in the wake of increasing traffic jams in cities such as Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nagpur, and the urgent need for developing public transport infrastructure.

It is felt that have a single planning body will avoid duplication of efforts, facilitate integrated mobility, and ensure priority to sustainable transport models.

The chief minister said that before finalising legislation for the same, public suggestions and objections should be obtained.

He mentioned that the law should ensure that it does not override current state or central laws, rules, and regulations.

The government will soon appoint an independent CEO and an executive committee to make it run efficiently.

It would also comprise mayors and commissioners of large municipal corporations.

The emphasis would be on providing seamless, affordable, and accessible public transport to citizens with a strong focus on last-mile connectivity.

The proposal will proceed to the next phase after public consultations.