States » EastPosted at: Oct 24 2026 8:57PM


UMI Conference calls for integrated urban planning, smart mobility, inclusive public transport

Bhubaneswar, Oct 24 (UNI) The 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference concluded here on Saturday, highlighting the need for integrated urban planning, evidence-based decision-making, technological innovation and inclusive public transport systems to improve accessibility and enhance the quality of life in Indian cities.
The conference brought together policymakers, government officials, international experts, transport professionals, researchers and industry representatives to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in urban mobility, with a focus on developing sustainable, accessible and liveable cities.
A technical session titled ‘Land Use and Transport Beyond City Limits – TOD, Urban Form and Peri-Urban Corridors’ examined the need to integrate land-use and transport planning beyond traditional city boundaries.
Discussions focused on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), compact urban growth, mixed-use development along mass transit corridors and seamless connectivity between suburban areas and major transport networks.
The session also addressed governance challenges, links between affordable housing and transport infrastructure, and financing mechanisms for developing transit-oriented peri-urban corridors.
A roundtable discussion on ‘People-Centric Streets – Safe, Walkable, Cyclable’ highlighted the importance of designing urban streets that prioritise pedestrians, cyclists and public safety.
Participants discussed the need for continuous footpaths, protected cycling networks, safe pedestrian crossings, traffic-calming measures and effective institutional mechanisms to create accessible and people-friendly streets.
Another roundtable, titled ‘Behaviour Change and Public Communication – Enhancing Modal Shift through Public Outreach’, explored strategies to encourage people to shift from private vehicles to more sustainable modes of transport.
Deliberations centred on targeted communication campaigns, community participation, incentives, digital applications and behavioural change initiatives to increase the use of public transport.
The roundtable on ‘Intelligence-Driven Safe and Secure Mobility’ examined the role of artificial intelligence (AI), real-time data, connected infrastructure and emerging digital technologies in improving urban transport safety and operational efficiency.
Participants explored the potential of intelligent traffic management systems, connected vehicles and technology-enabled solutions to make urban mobility safer, more reliable and efficient.
The plenary session on ‘Rail-Led Integrated Urban Development’ discussed the role of metro rail and other mass rapid transit systems in shaping sustainable and liveable cities.
The discussions underscored the importance of economically viable rail-based transport systems, seamless multimodal integration and stronger first- and last-mile connectivity.
The session also examined how mass transit infrastructure could support integrated urban growth and the development of future-ready mobility networks.
The 19th Urban Mobility India Conference and Exhibition was organised under the theme ‘Urban Accessibility and Liveability in the Digital Age’.
The event provided a platform for policymakers, senior officials from the Central and State governments, international experts, transport professionals, researchers and industry representatives to exchange ideas and discuss solutions to urban mobility challenges.
An exhibition featuring 28 participants from the Government of Odisha, metro rail companies, public sector organisations and private sector entities showcased emerging technologies, innovative solutions and best practices in urban transport.
The conference also encouraged academic research through a dedicated Research Symposium for research scholars and PhD students. A total of 46 selected research papers were presented, comprising 20 oral presentations and 26 poster presentations.
During the valedictory session, union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, along with Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, presented awards recognising excellence and best practices in urban transport.
The awards acknowledged initiatives undertaken by cities, States and transport organisations to improve public transport, promote sustainable mobility and strengthen urban transport systems.
Bhubaneswar-based Comprehensive Region Urban Transport (CRUT) received the award for the City with the Best Green Transport Initiative.
Other award recipients included:
Best Non-Motorized Transport System: Greater Chennai Corporation, Chennai.
Excellence in Innovation and Smart Mobility Solutions: Delhi Transport Corporation and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.
City with the Best Public Transport System: Delhi Transport Corporation.
Metro Station with the Best Multimodal Integration: Kochi Metro Rail Ltd.
Metro Rail with the Best Passenger Services and Satisfaction: Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation, covering Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
Best Use of Big Data Analytics for Operations and Evidence-Based Transport Planning: Delhi Transport Corporation.
Special Award for Optimising Civil Structural Design: Noida Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.
The conference concluded with a renewed focus on integrated planning, innovation and people-centric transport solutions to make India's urban mobility systems more accessible, efficient and sustainable.
UNI DP
Tags: #UMI Conference calls for integrated urban planning# smart mobility# inclusive public transport
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