Bhubaneswar: Capital city Bhubaneswar will host two major national events on urban development and transport from October 23 to 25, bringing together policymakers, urban planners, transport experts and industry representatives to discuss sustainable mobility, urban governance and improved civic services. The 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition will be held on October 23 and 24, followed by the second National Urban Conclave October 24 and 25 at a city hotel.
Organised by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), with the support of the state government, the events will focus on making Indian cities more accessible, sustainable and liveable. Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu will inaugurate the programmes in the presence of CM Mohan Charan Majhi.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra will also attend the mobility conference. The National Urban Conclave will deliberate on the theme ‘Urban Rising – Rethinking Urban Systems, Solutions and Delivery’. Discussions will cover pedestrian safety, affordable housing, water and waste management, integrated infrastructure, municipal service delivery and reforms in urban governance. A meeting of urban development ministers from states and Union Territories will also review progress on key urban development priorities. The UMI conference, themed ‘Urban Accessibility and Liveability in Digital Age’, is expected to attract around 1,500 delegates, including national and international experts.
Discussions will focus on low-carbon public transport, integration of transport modes, first- and last-mile connectivity and digital solutions, including real-time GPS-based services and Mobility as a Service. An exhibition featuring 28 participants from government organisations, metro rail companies and public and private sector organisations will showcase transport technologies and best practices.
A research symposium will feature 46 selected papers, with cash awards of Rs 25,000 each for the three best papers. Odisha will showcase its urban development initiatives, with the launch of PM e-Bus Sewa in the state planned during the events. The programme will also feature the release of the ANKUR Handbook, Odisha Town Planning Handbooks and the state’s policy on public spaces. Capital Region Urban Transport will showcase Ama Bus services and electric mobility, while Bhubaneswar Development Authority and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation will highlight urban planning, waste management, public spaces and civic services.
Special heritage walks and cycling activities will promote walking and non-motorised transport. Mission Shakti, Utkalika, Boyanika and Koraput Coffee will showcase Odisha’s women-led enterprises, handicrafts, handlooms and local produce. Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee said hosting the events reflected the state’s commitment to sustainable urban development and technology-driven transport solutions.
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