Rourkela, Dec 5: The Department of Planning and Architecture at NIT Rourkela inaugurated the International Symposium on Smart Mobility for Differently Abled (SMDA-2025) on Friday. The three-day event (December 5–7) is being organised under the Ministry of Education’s prestigious SPARC scheme and coincides with the global observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, officials said.

Global Platform for Inclusive Mobility

The symposium brings together international experts, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to deliberate on mobility innovations, accessible design approaches, and technology-driven solutions aimed at enhancing independent mobility for differently-abled citizens.

Leadership Perspectives

Inaugurating the event, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director of NIT Rourkela, highlighted India’s achievements at the Paralympic Games as a reminder of the nation’s potential. He stressed the responsibility to create an environment where every Divyangjan receives opportunities, support systems, and facilities.

Registrar Prof. Rohan Dhiman underscored the importance of institutional and governmental support, while Prof. Nabanita Saha, Head of the Department, noted that hosting SMDA-2025 reflects the department’s commitment to inclusive planning and design practices.

Technical Scope

Convenor Prof. Soumi Muhuri explained that the symposium integrates technological solutions, policy tools, urban design techniques, and product-specific innovations to improve mobility for differently-abled citizens. The focus is on accelerating the national conversation on disability rights through urban planning, engineering, and community-driven approaches.

Keynote speaker Prof. Reena Tiwari from Curtin University, Australia, emphasised the human-centred dimension of mobility planning, stressing the need for clear design guidelines, digital applications, and active community partnerships.

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Programme Highlights

SMDA-2025 features keynote lectures, technical sessions, product demonstrations, and planning frameworks centred on:

• Accessible transport and public infrastructure 
  
• City-level mobility challenges and solutions 
  
• Policy frameworks for inclusive mobility 
  
• Technological tools and assistive products 
  
• Collaborative planning for accessible urban environments

The symposium is jointly convened by faculty from NIT Rourkela, Curtin University (Australia), and Lawrence Technological University (USA). Organisers emphasised that future cities must guarantee mobility without barriers and ensure equal participation for all.