Latest news with #MetroRailPolicy
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Gujarat govt sets up unified transport authority for A'bad, Surat
Gandhinagar: Gujarat govt has set up a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) to methodically develop the public transport system in Ahmedabad and Surat. The move comes in the wake of directives from the central govt to create specialized bodies for planned urban transport development. The state urban development department has established UMTA to unify transport-related efforts across the two metropolitan regions. The govt resolution (GR) establishing UMTA notes that urban transport systems are crucial to progressive development, daily functionality and economic growth. It highlights that the rapid expansion of cities and metropolitan areas has rendered urban planning more complex, making well-functioning transport systems essential for ongoing development. The GR states that the previous institutional framework lacked integration, creating a need for a unified mechanism. The National Urban Transport Policy, 2006, advocated for UMTA in cities with over a million residents to coordinate urban transport planning and management, addressing overlaps between multiple agencies. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad Additionally, under the Metro Rail Policy, 2017, state govts are required to operationalize UMTA in cities with either operational or developing metro projects. The state govt had been considering establishing UMTA for Ahmedabad and Surat to handle proposal formulation, strategy monitoring, policy oversight, regulatory functions, transport demand management and coordination of agencies' implementation works. The state-level UMTA has now been officially created, chaired by the chief secretary, and includes senior IAS and non-IAS officers as members. Govt sources said that UMTA's specified functions for Ahmedabad and Surat include advising the govt on urban transport matters, formulating and administering transport policies, strategies, standards and guidelines and overseeing the integration of multi-modal transport systems in city master plans. "The scope of work of UMTA will also include preparing comprehensive mobility plans (CMP), monitoring multi-year transport programmes, resolving conflicts or overriding submissions lacking integration and approving urban transport initiatives," said a source close to the development. Officials added that the authority has also been mandated to promote integrated transport systems, oversee operations of the Traffic Management and Information Control Centre (TMIC) and National Public Transport Helpline (NPTH). UMTA will also deploy or contract public transport services, recommending fees, fares and charges. The body will also enforce transport regulations and will create and manage an urban transport fund.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
CM approves DPR for 43km Metro Phase-2
Jaipur: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Wednesday approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Jaipur Metro Phase-2 . Following this decision, the DPR was sent to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for approval under the Metro Rail Policy, 2017. Construction will begin as soon as the Centre's approval is obtained. Jaipur Metro Phase-2, which was announced in the state budget 2025-26, will be implemented by Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation , a 50:50 joint venture company, formed by the state and central govts. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) agreed to provide loans for the project, which is estimated to cost about Rs 12,260 crore. The project is proposed along the north-south main transit corridor of Jaipur city, from Todi Mod to Prahladpura, spanning 42.80 km. A total of 36 stations are proposed, with 34 elevated and two underground. The corridor will connect major residential, commercial, educational, and industrial areas such as the VKI and Sitapura industrial areas. An underground metro station has been proposed under the new terminal of the airport to ensure seamless connectivity. Phase-2 will also provide direct connectivity to key locations like Tonk Road, Vidhyadhar Nagar, proposed interstate bus terminals, SMS Hospital, Sawai Mansingh Stadium, and the collectorate. The TOI had earlier reported that the state govt has decided to start construction work for the Phase-2 anytime between August and October this year.
