Gujarat Government Approves Rs 100 Crore Urban Transport Fund for Major Cities
In a significant move to combat escalating traffic and mobility issues, the Gujarat government has given the green light to establish an Urban Transport Fund (UTF) with an initial seed capital of Rs 100 crore. This fund will specifically target the urban centers of Ahmedabad and Surat, addressing their growing transportation challenges.
Unified Authority Takes Charge of Urban Mobility
The decision was finalized during the inaugural meeting of the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA), which was presided over by the state's chief secretary. The gathering included key officials such as the principal secretary for urban development, along with senior representatives from both Ahmedabad and Surat. Discussions centered on the pressing traffic congestion and public transport deficiencies plaguing these metropolitan areas.
Sources close to the development revealed that the formation of UMTA aligns with national frameworks, including the National Urban Transport Policy of 2006 and the Metro Rail Policy of 2017. The state government had previously announced the creation of UMTA for Ahmedabad and Surat to enhance governance in urban mobility. "To ensure sustainable and coordinated financing for urban transport initiatives, the establishment of a dedicated UTF with initial seed funding of Rs 100 crore was decided by the UMTA committee," the sources stated.
Funding and Future Plans for Sustainable Transport
Officials emphasized that the UTF will be bolstered through various innovative revenue streams, guaranteeing long-term financial sustainability for urban transport projects in Gujarat. "The UTF will support efficient last-mile connectivity and seamless multi-modal integration, which are critical to increasing public transport usage, reducing private vehicle dependence, and improving overall urban mobility," explained sources involved in the project.
Key components of the UTF's scope include:
- Planning, development, operation, and maintenance of urban transport systems
- Development of Multi-Modal Transport Hubs (MMTHs) with integrated transfer facilities
- Implementation of integrated fare systems and comprehensive mobility planning
- Enhancements to traffic signals, junctions, footpaths, cycle tracks, and pedestrian zones
- Expansion of public transport, including the introduction of electric buses
Strategic Integration to Alleviate Congestion
Multi-Modal Transport Hubs are proposed to be strategically located on the peripheries of cities and at other key nodes. These hubs will connect with intra-city transport through integrated transfer facilities, aiming to significantly reduce traffic congestion within urban cores. "These integration points will help reduce traffic congestion within the city," officials noted, highlighting the holistic approach to urban planning.
The initiative underscores Gujarat's commitment to fostering sustainable urban development. By prioritizing public transport and multi-modal connectivity, the state aims to create more livable, efficient, and environmentally friendly cities for residents of Ahmedabad and Surat.
