Viksit Odisha / Bhubaneswar to Host Urban Mobility India Conference, Exhibition from October 23

Bhubaneswar, Oct 22: Bhubaneswar will host the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition and the second National Urban Conclave beginning Friday, bringing together policymakers, urban planners, transport experts and administrators from across India and abroad to discuss the future of sustainable urban development.

The event, being hosted in Odisha for the first time, is being organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) with support from the Odisha Government and the Institute of Urban Transport (India). The conference will be held from October 23 to 24, while the exhibition will continue until October 25.

Around 1,500 delegates, including national and international experts, are expected to participate in the three-day programme.

Theme and Key Discussions

The conference is themed “Urban Accessibility and Liveability in the Digital Age”, highlighting the need for technology-driven and sustainable mobility solutions in rapidly expanding urban centres.

Deliberations will focus on public transport systems, multimodal integration, first and last-mile connectivity, Mobility as a Service (MaaS), GPS-based mobility solutions, housing, sanitation, infrastructure development and smart city governance. Discussions will also examine ways to improve urban mobility and enhance the quality of life for residents through innovation and digital technologies.

Major Announcements Planned

A key highlight of the event will be the formal launch of the Prime Minister e-Bus Service in Odisha, aimed at strengthening public transport and promoting green mobility.

Several policy documents and knowledge resources, including the ANKUR Handbook, Odisha Town Planning Handbook, and policies on public spaces in government and private sectors, will also be unveiled during the conclave.

CRUT will showcase Odisha’s achievements in city bus services, electric mobility and women’s empowerment through public transport initiatives.

Showcasing Odisha’s Heritage

The conference will also present Odisha’s urban transformation and cultural heritage to a national audience. Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik will create a special sand sculpture as part of the event. Delegates will have the opportunity to participate in the Ekamra Heritage Walk and cycling trails across the city.

Dedicated exhibitions featuring Mission Shakti products, Utkalika handicrafts, Boyanika handloom products and Koraput coffee will highlight Odisha’s rich cultural and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Officials said the event would provide a significant platform for sharing best practices in urban mobility while showcasing Odisha’s progress in sustainable and inclusive urban development.