States » EastPosted at: Oct 22 2026 9:26PM


Bhubaneswar to host 19th Urban Mobility India Conference, National Urban Conclave

Bhubaneswar, Oct 22 (UNI) Bhubaneswar is set to emerge as a national hub for urban development and sustainable mobility with the city hosting two major events — the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition from October 23 to 24 and the second edition of the National Urban Conclave from October 24 to 25.
Organised by the union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in collaboration with the Odisha government, the events will bring together policymakers, urban planners, administrators, technical experts, industry representatives and other stakeholders to deliberate on emerging urban challenges and explore solutions for building inclusive, sustainable and future-ready cities.
The National Urban Conclave will focus on the theme, “Urban Development — Rethinking Urban Systems, Solutions and Service Delivery”, Additional Secretary in the union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Satinder Pal Singh said on Thursday.
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu will inaugurate the events in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. NITI Aayog CEO Anurag Jain and Member Rajiv Gauba are also scheduled to participate in the conclave.
The two programmes will focus on sustainable urban transport, digital innovation, accessible public spaces, improved civic services and effective urban governance. The deliberations are expected to identify practical approaches to strengthening urban institutions, improving municipal administration and enhancing the delivery of essential services.
The National Urban Conclave will feature seven key thematic sessions covering the right to walk, water and waste management, resource efficiency, affordable housing, integrated urban development and infrastructure provision, new models of urban service delivery, model building by-laws and a model municipal law.
The discussions will address safer footpaths, pedestrian-friendly streets, water conservation, wastewater reuse, waste-to-resource initiatives, affordable and climate-resilient housing, coordinated infrastructure planning and the application of geographic information systems in urban development.
Participants will also deliberate on strengthening municipal finances, improving institutional accountability, simplifying building approval processes, promoting public-private partnerships and enhancing the autonomy and institutional capacity of urban local bodies.
A meeting of urban development ministers from states and union Territories will also be held to review progress on issues discussed during previous meetings and identify priority areas requiring further action and coordination.
The 19th Urban Mobility India Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for October 23-24, will focus on the theme, “Urban Accessibility and Quality of Life in the Digital Era”.
According to Joint Secretary Praveer Kumar, the conference will examine how emerging digital technologies and integrated transport infrastructure can improve urban accessibility, strengthen public transport systems and enhance the overall quality of life in cities.
Key areas of discussion will include sustainable and pollution-free public transport, integration of different transport modes, first- and last-mile connectivity and the role of technology in improving urban mobility. Participants will also explore the potential of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and real-time GPS-based solutions to provide seamless, efficient and passenger-friendly transport services.
Around 1,500 delegates, including speakers from India and abroad, are expected to participate in the conference and exhibition.
Additional Chief Secretary Housing and Urban development of Odisha Government,Usha Padhee said the state was focusing on strengthening urban infrastructure, promoting technology-driven transport solutions, improving accessibility and liveability, and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders to develop inclusive and sustainable cities.
She said Odisha planned to launch the Pradhan Mantri e-Bus Sewa initiative in Odisha during the events, with the objective of promoting cleaner public transport and improving urban connectivity.
Delegates will also have opportunities to participate in a heritage walk through Ekamra and a cycling trail to experience the city's cultural heritage and public spaces while gaining insights into non-motorised transport.
The twin events are expected to provide a common platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices and developing practical responses to contemporary urban challenges.
UNI DP
Tags: #Bhubaneswar to host 19th Urban Mobility India Conference# National Urban Conclave
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