Single agency for all modes of transport in NCR region

The Centre is considering setting up of a single agency to plan, coordinate and monitor the various modes of public transport in the National Capital Region (NCR) region.

The Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) will act as a single transport authority for the region covering various modes of transport like buses, metro and the railways, urban development minister S Jaipal Reddy said at the Assocham meeting on Friday.

The UMTA will work out modalities for a common fare collection system for various modes of public transport, a common passenger information system and integration in terms of infrastructure, fares, operations and information.

As the privately operated auto-rickshaws and taxis form a crucial mode of public transport in the NCR region, UMTA could also look into a common control mechanism for their computerised management.

Sources said the urban development ministry has already made a concept presentation before members of the Planning Commission and group of ministers about modernising public transport network and the need of funds for the purpose.

At the Assocham meeting, Reddy said his ambition was to see the development of NCR area as an "integrated mega regional city".

The minister, however, referred to the difficulties in getting cooperation from state governments in implementing the schemes as more than one state government was involved in the process.

The NCR region comprises Delhi and adjoining cities of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The NCR Planning Board has been entrusted with the task of coordination between the state governments on issues of common interest.