CUMTA unique when compared to other models

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

It was an initiative that came into effect after reviewing experiences from various states and countries but Chennai Unified Metropolitan has its own uniqueness when compared with other models.

Interestingly, before implementing the act, the state government has reviewed Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority initiatives across the country as well as examples from abroad.

Sources said the government reviewed UMTA for Hyderabad Metropolitan Region Act, Directorate of Urban Land Transport Act, Karnataka, Authority Act of London, Metropolitan Transport Authority Act of New York City and Land Transport Authority Act of Singapore besides model UMTA act of Union government.

Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) set up in 2008, under a special enactment, establishes the UMTA for the Hyderabad Metropolitan Region.

Sources say the functions of Hyderabad UMTA are to oversee implementation of various traffic and transportation measures undertaken by various agencies in the Hyderabad Metropolitan region. Surprisingly, the UMTA has been made as a part of the Metropolitan Development Authority Act and no separate rule has been provided as in case of CUMTA.

Similarly, in Bangalore, the Karnataka government has published a draft Directorate of Urban Land Transport Act and has called for public opinion.  The functions of the DULT are to act as a coordinator and facilitator to ensure integration of land use planning and transport sector planning. Since the Act has not been enacted, no rule has been made. Initally, DULT was to cover the jurisdiction of seven municipal corporations - Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum, Gulbarga and Bellary.

As for Mumbai, it is way behind Chennai as Bombay Metropolitan Regional Development Authority has proposed to constitute the UMTA only by the year 2015.