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The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Revive Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority by November 1, says Kerala HC
The Kerala High Court has directed that the Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority (KMTA), launched in 2020 but remained defunct ever since, be revived by November 1. It also must be provided with adequate number of personnel, including expert members. The benefits from the effective functioning of the authority for Kochi cannot be understated, since it can help reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. It can also integrate bus, metro and ferry systems, augment last-mile connectivity and help rationalise the fare in public transport vehicles apart from readying a parking policy, said a Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji while considering a public interest litigation filed by Richard Rajesh Kumar and Arjun P. Bhaskar. These would in turn provide better access to mobility options for residents and tourists, while boosting economic growth and urban renewal. The KMTA would thus help make an effective change in the urban transport system in the region. By creating a Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA) for Kochi, but letting it remain on paper, the object of providing a sustainable and planned urban transport system for residents of Kochi is being nullified. KMTA Act The KMTA Act that was notified in 2019 provides for the creation of an MTA for each urban mobility area in Kerala. Their duties include forming a comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) that provides for a safe, sustainable, efficient and coordinated urban transport systems. There cannot be any doubt that considering the functions of the authority, a city like Kochi must have a robust public transport system. But since its formation, no meetings were held, neither was an Urban Transport Fund set up. In addition, ₹17.40 lakh that the government sanctioned for the MTA was not utilised so far, the court observed. It further directed the CEO of KMTA to submit a proposal to the government about its infrastructure needs and also to ready an Urban Transport Fund. The petitioners had submitted that the 'inaction' on the part of the State was violative of the Kerala Metropolitan Transport Authority Act and caused injustice to commuters.
Time of India
12-08-2025
- Time of India
High court directs govt to revive KMTA by Nov 1
Kochi: In an order that could improve the transport infrastructure of the city, Kerala High Court issued a directive asking state govt to revive Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority (KMTA) by Nov 1. KMTA came into force in 2020 but is yet to be fully operational and there is a strong demand from various quarters to revive it. Considering a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Richard Rajesh Kumar and Arjun P Bhaskar, the court said that KMTA should be fully operational by Kerala Piravi Day and govt can provide adequate staff and funds for the proper functioning of the authority. KMTA, the first of its kind in India to integrate, plan and regulate different commuting modes in Kochi, was inaugurated on Nov 1, 2020. The authority is chaired by transport minister and has transport secretary as its vice-chairman. However, there was no major initiative from KMTA to strengthen the public transport system in the city, except for some initiatives like forming a society of autorickshaw unions and seven companies of bus operators in the city. KMTA convened its first meeting on Jan 22, 2021, and took various decisions for the smooth and timely implementation of integrated transport projects in the city. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Legendary Stars: Timeless Icons Reportingly Undo But there was no further action by the authorities. As per section 12 of KMTA Act, 2019, the authority is conferred with a wide range of duties and functions to maintain the effective development of urban transport. The act envisages a comprehensive mobility plan and includes developments such as technology-based solutions for traffic management, detection of traffic offences, parking infrastructure and other such developments. Govt had mooted a plan to increase the urban mobility area under KMTA three years ago and a proposal regarding this was presented at its board meeting. As per this, nine municipalities and 29 panchayats should be brought under KMTA's purview to ensure its proper functioning. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
