Chandigarh administration constitutes panel to tackle traffic, transport issues in Tricity region
The Chandigarh administration Friday constituted the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA), which will oversee the implementation of various traffic and transportation measures undertaken by the various agencies in Chandigarh and the Tricity region.
The transportation body consists of representatives of Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Indian Air Force. Besides this, officials from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), the chief administrator of Haryana Sahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP), the chief administrator of GMADA, among others, will also pe a part of the newly-formed panel, which will operate under the chairmanship of UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit. The stakeholders of various states will be represented by chief secretary-level officers.
An official in the know of affairs said that a notification in this regard will be issued shortly.
Chandigarh Home Secretary Nitin Yadav said, “The UMTA was the need of the hour. After its formation, we now expect swift redressal of a lot of small, big and complicated issues related to public welfare, which involve multiple states. Chandigarh shares boundaries with three states. The road and air transport in Chandigarh cannot be improved 100 per cent without involving our neighbouring states.”
Detailing out the objectives, Yadav said that the new body will oversee implementation of various traffic and transportation measures undertaken by various agencies in Chandigarh and the Tricity region.
“It will ensure an effective public transport system is in place for Chandigarh Tricity region, to ensure effective coordination and implementation of various traffic and transportation measures undertaken by the various departments. The body will also promote and monitor key/major traffic and transportation projects, deliberate and recommend effective transportation strategies for Chandigarh Tricity region, integrate and consolidate all action plan of various departments and agencies and ensure implementation of the traffic and transportation plans for Chandigarh-Tricity region, besides processing funds for implementation of proposals,” Yadav said.
The transport authority will hold periodic meetings / also as and when required.
Officials said that recommendations/instructions of UMTA shall be binding on all the concerned departments.
