'Will Rationalise Public Transport Fares': Kerala High Court Calls For Revival Of Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority

While considering a writ petition seeking a direction to revive the KMTA, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji directed that the authority, which has remained on paper for the past five years, must be made functional by the Kerala Day, 1 November 2025.

The Court further observed:

“The benefits of effective functioning of the Metropolitan Transport Authority for Kochi city cannot be understated. The interventions by this Authority could be reduction in traffic congestion and carbon emissions, better integration of bus, metro, ferry and pedestrian systems, rationalisation of public transport fares and services, uniform fares for public transport, streamlined parking policies and increased access to last-mile connectivity, enhanced liveability and accessibility for residents and tourists, economic growth via infrastructure investment and urban renewal. A properly functioning Authority for the Kochi City can make an effective change in the urban transport as envisaged by the Kerala Legislature. By creating a Metropolitan Transport Authority for Kochi City but letting it remain on paper, the object of providing a sustainable and planned urban transport system for the residents of Kochi City is being nullified.”

The KMTA Act, which was notified on 18 December 2019, provides for the creation of a Metropolitan Transport Authority for each Urban Mobility Area in the state. The Act provides that the authority would be a body corporate and would have many duties, including the preparation of a Comprehensive Mobility Plan that provides for safe, sustainable, efficient and properly co-ordinated urban transport.

“The infrastructure of the city remains underdeveloped which has caused difficulties in respect of parking, systematic transportation and connectivity. Several infrastructural issues which require a scientific and planned approach towards urban transportation are not being implemented because a specialized authority for the same is not functional. KMTA is empowered under the Act of 2019 to regulate fares of urban transport which is not being carried out…The issues pointed out by the Petitioners require a specialised body to find solutions. There cannot be any doubt that considering the functions of the Authority, it is essential in any city, such as Kochi, to have a robust public transportation system to have a functional and active Metropolitan Transport Authority…,” the Court remarked.

The Court noted that since its notification, the Authority has not conducted any meetings, did not set up the Urban Transport Fund or filed annual report before the legislatures as envisaged under the Act. Moreover, an amount of ₹17,40,000/-, which was released by the government for the authority was not utilised by it.

On 15 July 2025, a meeting was held to rejuvenate the KMTA as directed by the Court. Perusing the minutes of the said meeting, the Court remarked that the KMTA has no dedicated officer space or funds or staff for its effective functioning even as on the date of the meeting.

Thus, the Court observed that the KMTA ought to be constituted with expert members and that it has basic requirements like office space, staff, computers and furniture. It was also stated that adequate temporary measures must be put in place until final arrangements are made and once functional, the KMTA will have to take up functions on priority basis.

It directed the CEO of KMTA to submit a proposal to the government regarding infrastructural requirement. In addition to other directions to make the KMTA fully functional, it also directed the KMTA and the government to set up the Urban Transport Fund.

Thus, it disposed of the writ petition.

Case No: WP(C) No. 10082 of 2025

Case Title: Adv. Richard Rajesh Kumar and Anr. v. Union of India and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 503

Counsels for the petitioners: Viswanath Salish, Sandra Paul, Nidha Sherin, Akash Jitthu T.

Counsel for the respondents: C. Dinesh – CGC, Arjun, V. Manu – Spl. GP to AG, V. Tekchand – Sr. GP

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