Delhi govt’s decision to form UMTA stirs fresh row with LG

The decision of Delhi government to constitute a new body for public transport — United <g data-gr-id="24">Multi Modal</g> Transport Authority (UMTA) responsible for Delhi Assembly has set the stage for another round of confrontation with Lieutenant Governor, who heads a similar body — United Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure Centre (UPTTIPEC) under administrative control of Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

“We will review the performance of UPTTIPEC. There is a need for a body on integrated transport planning and its implementation, which is responsible to the people of Delhi through Delhi Assembly,” said Gopal Rai, Delhi Transport minister. According to the proposal, the new body will comprise of the heads of all the government agencies related to transport planning and implementation with a mandate to present vision document for a an easily accessible, punctual, reliable and informative integrated public transport and its implementation in the city. 

Rai proposed to bring heads of Central government agencies under UMTA to be led by an eminent personality and responsible to Delhi Assembly. 

“After preparing the vision documents, the new body will act as coordinating body between various government agencies and present a periodical report to Delhi Assembly regarding its implementation. In this way we will be able to inform the people that which government agency is <g data-gr-id="30">stone walling</g> the development of the city,” added Rai. According to him, <g data-gr-id="33">modernising</g> transport system is a priority of Delhi government as it is crucial to bring down pollution level posing a threat to Delhiites.

“All transportation projects, transport engineering solutions in Delhi by any agency having road engineering and infrastructure implication will require clearance of UTTIPEC. This will ensure the latest technology and research finding support for all new roads and projects,” said the notification of Central government on August 7, 2008, which constituted the body. 

Presently, UTTIPEC is implementing some projects which include Transit Oriented Development, <g data-gr-id="28">Multi Model</g> Integration and East Delhi Hub. It has the LG as its chairperson, DDA VC as its VC, besides department heads of Delhi Traffic Police, Urban Development ministry, Indian Road Congress, Transport Department, NDMC, MCD as its members.