- Conference focuses on ‘Urban Accessibility and Liveability in Digital Age’
Bhubaneswar, 23.10.2026 [ADN] The 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition 2026 was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Tokhan Sahu, along with Housing and Urban Develeopment Minister of Odisha, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra in Bhubaneswar today.
The Urban Mobility India Conference is an annual initiative of MoHUA under the National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP), 2006. The policy emphasises capacity building at the State and city levels and the development of equitable and sustainable urban transport systems. The Conference provides a platform for sharing national and international best practices, emerging technologies and innovative solutions in urban mobility.
Addressing the inaugural session, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Tokhan Sahu, said that the Urban Mobility India Conference has emerged as an important national platform for shaping the future of urban transport. Shri Sahu highlighted the significant expansion of metro rail infrastructure under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He stated that India’s operational metro network has expanded from 248 kilometres in 2014 to over 1,185 kilometres across 26 cities. He further informed that work is underway on another 998 kilometres of metro lines, He said.
Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Hon’ble Minister, Housing and Urban Development Department, Govt of Odisha, addressing the delegates and audience at UMI, said, “Urban mobility is not merely about transportation; it is about improving the quality of life of our citizens and making our cities more accessible, inclusive and sustainable. As Odisha’s cities continue to grow, our focus is on developing safe, reliable, affordable and people-centric public transport systems that respond to the everyday needs of citizens. Through initiatives such as Ama Bus and Ama E-Ride, we are taking meaningful steps towards making urban mobility more convenient and accessible for all, including students, working professionals, women and other commuters.
Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Anu Garg, Chief Secretary of Odisha, stated, “Odisha is committed to transforming urban mobility through the 8S approach—Service Access & Service Reliability, Smart Mobility, Sustainability, Systems, Safety, Seamlessness, Samaveshi and Satisfaction. With around 800 buses serving eight cities, CRUT is strengthening public transport through digital ticketing, greater participation of women drivers and improved commuter convenience. Alongside expanding EV infrastructure, our focus is on building an integrated, inclusive and sustainable mobility ecosystem that makes public transport safer, smarter and accessible to all.”
Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries and delegates, Shri Satendra Singh, Secretary, Department of Urban Development, MoHUA, said that the Urban Mobility India Conference, being held in Bhubaneswar for the first time, has evolved into an important international platform for sharing best practices and addressing challenges in urban transport since its inception in 2008.
Shri Satendra Singh informed that around 1,500 delegates from India and abroad are expected to participate in the two-day Conference, which includes technical sessions, round table discussions and research symposiums. He said that the deliberations would help shape policies and strategies for providing efficient, sustainable and high-quality urban transport solutions to India’s growing urban population.
The Conclave Session on ‘Liveability, Mobility and Accessibility in Digital Age’ focused on the role of digital technologies in creating inclusive, connected and high-quality urban living environments. Discussions covered both physical mobility through different transport modes and digital connectivity that can reduce the need for physical travel.
The Round Table on ‘Modernizing Bus Systems – Role of SPVs and PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme: Lessons from CRUT’ examined approaches to improving urban bus services through dedicated Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and technology-enabled transport management. The discussions focused on the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme and the experience of Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), Odisha, in operating modern and inclusive bus systems.
The Round Table on ‘Transport, Air Quality and Public Health – Unlocking Clean Air Action through Low Emission Zone Policy’ focused on reducing transport-related pollution and improving public health in Indian cities.
The session examined regional transport integration across Bhubaneswar, Kataka, Khordha, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur and Berhampur. It also focused on integrated ticketing, technology-enabled operations and the challenges of providing seamless and sustainable mobility across expanding urban regions.
The second day of the Conference, on 24 October 2026, will feature discussions on transit-oriented development, people-centric streets, behavioural change and public communication, intelligent and secure mobility, and rail-led integrated urban development.
The Conference will conclude with a valedictory session, during which awards for ‘Excellence/Best Practice Projects in Urban Transport’ will be presented to outstanding States, cities and transport organisations across different categories. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Shri Manohar Lal, is scheduled to deliver the valedictory address and present the awards along with Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister, Housing & Urban Development, Odisha.
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