Sun Nov 02 19:15:50 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewrite as a news article:

Summary:

The Kerala High Court had set a deadline of November 1, 2025, for the revival of the Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority (KMTA), established in 2020 with the aim of improving public transportation and reducing carbon emissions in the Greater Kochi area. However, the KMTA remains inactive due to the state government’s failure to provide adequate manpower and funding. Petitioners who filed a public interest litigation (PIL) express concern about the delays and are considering filing a contempt of court petition. They emphasize the need for a fully functional KMTA with a competent CEO and experts to address traffic congestion, parking issues, and streamline transport operations. The lack of action has led to the departure of key personnel and the assignment of KMTA responsibilities to other entities.

News Article:

Kochi’s Ambitious Transport Authority Remains Grounded Despite Court Deadline

KOCHI, November 3, 2025 – The Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority (KMTA), envisioned as a groundbreaking solution to the city’s growing transportation woes, remains dormant, despite a November 1st deadline set by the Kerala High Court for its revival. Launched in 2020 with legislative backing, the KMTA was designed to integrate bus, metro, ferry services, and other modes of public transport in Greater Kochi, address last-mile connectivity, rationalize fares, and formulate a cohesive parking policy.

The High Court’s deadline followed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by concerned citizens, highlighting the potential of the KMTA to transform Kochi’s transportation landscape. However, the State government’s failure to allocate sufficient resources, including manpower and funding, has left the authority unable to function effectively.

“Five precious years have been lost,” said Richard Rajesh Kumar, one of the petitioners in the PIL. “With the model code of conduct for local body polls soon to come into effect, further delays are expected. We might have to file a contempt of court petition before the High Court.”

Arjun P. Bhaskar, the other petitioner, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the KMTA should not be revived in name only and that the High Court’s order must be fully implemented.

Stakeholders are emphasizing that the KMTA requires a full-time chief executive officer and a team of experienced experts to drive meaningful change. A senior Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) official expressed concerns about the coordination mistaken for leadership in such bodies.

The KMTA’s inactivity has already led to the resignation of key personnel and the transfer of its responsibilities, such as the development of a revised comprehensive mobility plan (CMP), to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). The future of this ambitious transport authority hangs in the balance, with concerned citizens and officials calling for urgent action to address Kochi’s pressing transportation challenges.

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