MoHUA Directive Revives Kochi Transport Authority
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

MoHUA Directive Revives Kochi Transport Authority

In a bid to revive the Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority (KMTA), the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has instructed the Chief Secretary to take necessary steps to overhaul the body. Established in November 2020, KMTA was the first of its kind in India, created to address the region's growing commuting challenges. However, the authority has been largely inactive, facing the risk of closure just four years after its commissioning.

### A Long-Standing Issue Despite initial promises, KMTA failed to streamline its operations, with transport minister Antony Raju previously committing to resolve the body’s issues two years ago. However, the lack of follow-up action left the authority in a state of disarray.

The recent directive comes after a petition from the Kochi Next Forum collective, led by Richard Rajesh Kumar and Arjun P Bhaskar. The petition highlights KMTA’s failure to meet its goals, including addressing parking issues and rationalizing bus routes, despite being envisioned as a solution to improve urban mobility.

### Previous Appeals This move follows a petition submitted by Vypeen MLA K N Unnikrishnan to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan two years ago, which pointed out that KMTA had not been fully operational. Initially tasked with integrating various modes of transport, the authority, chaired by the transport minister and vice-chaired by the transport secretary, had ambitious plans, but has made minimal progress.

### Stalled Progress KMTA's first meeting in January 2021 promised the timely implementation of integrated transport projects in Kochi. However, there has been little progress since, with the authority focusing only on forming an autorickshaw union and collaborating with bus operators. The failure to act on its broader objectives has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the body.

With the latest directive, there is renewed hope that Kochi’s metropolitan transport system will finally receive the attention it urgently needs.

In a bid to revive the Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority (KMTA), the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has instructed the Chief Secretary to take necessary steps to overhaul the body. Established in November 2020, KMTA was the first of its kind in India, created to address the region's growing commuting challenges. However, the authority has been largely inactive, facing the risk of closure just four years after its commissioning. ### A Long-Standing Issue Despite initial promises, KMTA failed to streamline its operations, with transport minister Antony Raju previously committing to resolve the body’s issues two years ago. However, the lack of follow-up action left the authority in a state of disarray. The recent directive comes after a petition from the Kochi Next Forum collective, led by Richard Rajesh Kumar and Arjun P Bhaskar. The petition highlights KMTA’s failure to meet its goals, including addressing parking issues and rationalizing bus routes, despite being envisioned as a solution to improve urban mobility. ### Previous Appeals This move follows a petition submitted by Vypeen MLA K N Unnikrishnan to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan two years ago, which pointed out that KMTA had not been fully operational. Initially tasked with integrating various modes of transport, the authority, chaired by the transport minister and vice-chaired by the transport secretary, had ambitious plans, but has made minimal progress. ### Stalled Progress KMTA's first meeting in January 2021 promised the timely implementation of integrated transport projects in Kochi. However, there has been little progress since, with the authority focusing only on forming an autorickshaw union and collaborating with bus operators. The failure to act on its broader objectives has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the body. With the latest directive, there is renewed hope that Kochi’s metropolitan transport system will finally receive the attention it urgently needs.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

NTPC Signs $11.5 Billion Clean Energy Deals in Chhattisgarh

Juniper Green Energy has successfully commissioned a 100-MW solar power project aimed at supplying electricity to Bhutan, marking a significant milestone in regional energy integration. According to the company's statement, the project facilitates a crucial cross-border agreement allowing Bhutan to receive 50% of the power generated during the winter months. This arrangement permits Bhutan to directly import power from an Indian generator under an established bilateral trade framework. Located in Rajasthan, the solar project contributes a total generation capacity of 100 MW. Highlighting the..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Juniper Green Commissions 100-MW Solar Project for Bhutan

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) held its first council meeting since the Delhi Assembly polls focusing on a comprehensive Summer Action Plan aimed at achieving 100% solar energy adoption by 2026. The meeting, led by MP Bansuri Swaraj, began with the swearing-in of three new NDMC members — Delhi Minister and New Delhi MLA Parvesh Sahib Singh, Delhi Cantt. MLA Virender Singh Kadian, and Ravi Kumar Arora, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Solar Energy Push NDMC Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal announced the civic body's ambitious solar energy plans, ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

NDMC Pushes for 100% Solar Energy by 2026

Mumbai-based energy storage startup AmpereHour Energy has raised $5 million from Avaana Capital, with participation from UC Impower and other angel investors. Founded in 2017 by IIT Bombay alumni, AmpereHour Energy focuses on building AI/ML-enabled Energy Storage Systems ranging from kW/kWh scale systems for Mini-grids to MW/MWh scale systems compatible with solar PV and wind plants. The systems are designed to be plug-and-play, integrated with the company’s proprietary Energy Management platform, Elina. The fresh capital will be directed towards expanding manufacturing and software capabi..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?