Kochi: Even as the Kochi Metro is all set to start commercial operations in a week, the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA), a single agency to plan and regulate the entire urban transport system in Kochi, too is finally set to become a reality after being in the conceptualization stage for close to three years.
A high-level meet chaired by the Chief Secretary recently directed the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) Managing Director Elias George to make a few modifications to the UMTA draft bill on the basis of recommendations of an expert committee and submit it to the Transport department. “We have been informed by the KMRL authorities that the process is over and the modified draft bill will be submitted in a couple of days. Upon receiving the document and the minutes, we’ll place it for cabinet approval without any further delay,” Transport Secretary K.R. Jyothilal said.
UMTA is essential for the smooth functioning of Metro scheduled to be operational by June 17. All agencies in the transport sector will come under UMTA providing a single transportation network with seamless interchanges and ticketing and a unified transportation network management, command and control.
UMTA formation is vital for metro-allied services
Apart from facilitating the multi-modal integration of transport services, the setting up of the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) is vital to implement a host of metro-allied services too being planned by the Kochi Metro Rail Corporation (KMRL).
“Even the benefit of the Smart Card being introduced next week could be fully enjoyed only if the UMTA Act is passed. It’s designed to enable a commuter to travel in all three modes of transport (metro road and water). Initially the card could be used only for metro travel,” said K J Sohan, former mayor who is closely associated with the development initiative of the city.
Different networks should complement each other to provide smooth and seamless connectivity. For instance, bus routes and timings should be designed in such a way that they feed into and support the mass transit systems, he said.
Also upon setting up the UMTA, the KMRL proposes to total the collection from the operation of private buses through formation of societies and share it equally among members of each society. It would pave the way for the buses to stop indulging in competition through the narrow roads, ultimately resulting in fewer accidents.
The setting up of UMTA is mandatory for implementing the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) for Kochi region developed by the KMRL for government approval. The major plans for improving the public transport system include setting up of Bus Rapid Transit corridors and 13 Mobility Hubs complementing the metro corridor. The KMRL has also planned the Intelligent Transport System.
Similar is the '747-crore Kochi Water Metro project which envisages development of 16 identified routes, connecting 38 jetties across 10 islands and spans a total route network of 76 km. The project, which will see the launching of 78 boats, will be implemented in two phases and would be fully operational in four years.
The UMTA Bill is expected to be submitted for Cabinet approval shortly and the system can be in place in another three years upon receiving the green signal.
