The Delhi government on Monday approved a proposal to set a single body for handling transport sector in the capital. The cabinet gave nod to the Delhi Urban Mass Transit Authority (DUMTA) Bill, 2010. The bill will provide for taking care of all issues relating to planning, development & regulation of public transport in Delhi. The government says that this will result in accessible and efficient public transport.

Right now, there are different agencies responsible for constructing and managing road network. The provisioning functions are performed by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), which not just operates the city bus system but also owns bus queue shelters and terminals. Whereas the Transport Department of the Delhi government manages the city inter-change points, and handles registration of vehicles, issue of permits for buses and fixing fares for different modes. Roads and allied infrastructure is managed by Public Works Department (PWD) and traffic regulation is under Delhi Traffic Police.

Chief minister Sheila Dikshit said that this bill will put full stop to the multiplicity of authorities in development of infrastructure in the state as there will be just one agency for integrated handling of transport related issues. It will be based on the lines of Land Transport Authority of Singapore, London, Boston and New york. The authority will have 11 members headed by the chief minister Sheila Dikshit.

Home ministry had earlier requested the chief minister to constitute an authority of such nature. The Bill will now be send to the home ministry for getting the prior approval for introduction of the Bill in the Legislative Assembly of Delhi.