more-in KOCHI: A General Manager to oversee various components of projects under Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) will be appointed in March. A core team for the purpose will also be in place in March. It will work in tandem with KMRL officials, said KMRL Managing Director Elias George, who also heads the CSML initiative. In addition, the State government will shortly appoint a project management consultant (PMC) for the initiative. A PMC having expertise in the field is crucial in taking the project ahead. The consultant will make a holistic approach to the project and suggest priorities. UMTA KMRL will oversee the mobility components of CSML. The metro agency is also expected to play a key role in the implementation of the Unified Metropolitan Transportation Authority (UMTA) mooted for Kochi to integrate various modes of public transport. With UMTA-Kochi finding mention in the Governor’s address to the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, decks have been cleared for the UMTA Act to become legislation. The authority needs legal backing to oversee the implementation of a host of initiatives, including re-routing of buses that are currently operated along the metro corridor, KMRL sources said. The constitution of a company or society under which autorickshaws in the city will be operated too is pending.

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