Delhi Government Initiates Drafting of DUMTA Bill to Unify City's Transport System
In a significant move to address the capital's growing mobility challenges, the Delhi government has officially commenced the drafting process for a bill to establish the Delhi Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (DUMTA). This proposed umbrella body is designed to streamline the city's currently fragmented transport system by bringing all planning, coordination, and investment under a single, cohesive framework.
High-Level Task Force Constituted for Swift Implementation
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has constituted a high-level task force and directed it to finalize the draft legislation at the earliest possible date, according to an official statement from the Chief Minister's Office released on Friday. The task force is chaired by the Chief Secretary and includes senior officials from key departments such as Transport, Urban Development, Finance, Planning, Public Works, and Police.
The task force also features representatives from major agencies including:
- Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
- Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
- Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC)
- NCR Transport Corporation
- Indian Railways
Officials have indicated that urban transport experts may be consulted to incorporate global best practices into the authority's design and operations.
Addressing Long-Standing Demands for Unified Transport Authority
The establishment of DUMTA follows persistent demands from urban planners and civic groups for a unified authority capable of effectively coordinating Delhi's expanding metro, bus, and regional rail networks. Currently, multiple agencies handle different aspects of mobility in the capital, often operating in isolated silos that result in overlapping routes, inefficient planning, and significant gaps in last-mile connectivity.
"The idea is to move away from piecemeal solutions and adopt a systems-based approach to mobility," explained a senior government official involved in the process. "This represents a fundamental shift in how we conceptualize and implement transport infrastructure in one of the world's largest metropolitan areas."
Comprehensive Mobility Planning and Dedicated Funding
DUMTA is expected to oversee the preparation and implementation of a comprehensive mobility plan for Delhi, coordinate investments across different transport modes, rationalize fare structures, and promote multimodal integration. This integration would include unified ticketing systems and seamless feeder services to bridge connectivity gaps.
Alongside the authority, the government proposes establishing a dedicated Delhi Urban Transport Fund to provide a robust financial backbone for long-term transport projects. This fund would ensure sustainable financing for infrastructure development and maintenance.
Environmental and Urban Development Imperatives
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that Delhi's rapidly growing population and increasing vehicular load necessitate structural reforms in the transport sector. "DUMTA will bring much-needed cohesion to the city's entire mobility system," she stated. "Metro, buses, regional rail, railways, and feeder services will be planned together to ensure maximum efficiency and convenience for our citizens."
Gupta further highlighted that strengthening public transport and improving last-mile connectivity are critical strategies for reducing dependence on private vehicles, which remain a major contributor to Delhi's persistent air pollution problems. "Vehicular emissions continue to be a key local source of pollution," she noted. "Integrated public transport is central to our long-term strategy to combat this environmental challenge effectively."
Alignment with National Policy and Broader Initiatives
The DUMTA concept aligns with the National Urban Transport Policy of 2006, which envisages establishing unified metropolitan transport authorities in cities with populations exceeding one million for strategic planning and coordinated implementation of urban transport projects.
In a related development aimed at strengthening urban mobility, the Delhi government has partnered with a cooperative taxi platform to enhance both transport services and driver welfare. The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited, the cooperative arm of Bharat Taxi.
This partnership will introduce technology-enabled taxi services for both tourists and daily commuters, with trained drivers serving dual roles as transport providers and Delhi tourism ambassadors. This initiative represents a complementary effort to improve the city's overall transport ecosystem while supporting sustainable livelihoods within the transport sector.
The newly constituted task force will be responsible for finalizing DUMTA's organizational structure, conducting comprehensive stakeholder consultations, assisting in drafting and enacting the legislation, and helping define the authority's vision, mission, and operational goals. This represents a comprehensive approach to institutional reform that could significantly transform how Delhi manages its complex and growing transport needs.
