Viksit Odisha / Shakti Summit 2026: Odisha Bats for Women-Friendly Urban Mobility

Bhubaneswar, Sept 2: Gender-responsive urban mobility took centre stage at the Shakti Summit 2026: State WCD Leadership Conclave in Bhubaneswar, with Additional Chief Secretary of Housing & Urban Development Department Usha Padhee calling for women’s safety, accessibility and participation to be placed at the heart of city planning.

Speaking on the theme “Initiatives by Odisha towards Gender Mainstreaming in Urban Mobility”, Padhee underscored that mobility is not merely about movement but about enabling women to access education, employment, healthcare and social opportunities. “A city cannot truly be inclusive if half of its population does not feel safe and confident while moving through it,” she observed.

She emphasised that gender mainstreaming must begin at the planning stage and extend through implementation and service delivery. Safe and accessible public transport, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, adequate lighting, secure public spaces, last-mile connectivity and responsive services, she said, are essential to building women-friendly cities.

In a symbolic gesture, Padhee introduced her female driver to the audience, describing her as a living example of women breaking stereotypes and entering professions traditionally dominated by men. “Gender mainstreaming cannot remain confined to policies and documents. It must be visible in our everyday lives and in the people who deliver our public services,” she remarked.

Highlighting the importance of representation, she noted that women should not only be seen as beneficiaries of urban mobility programmes but also as active participants and decision-makers. Greater involvement of women across the mobility workforce, she said, would contribute to more responsive services and instil confidence among passengers.
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Padhee further stressed the need to listen to women’s experiences while designing urban infrastructure. “The best way to design a city for women is to listen to women,” she said, advocating for consultation, evidence-based planning and continuous feedback.

Her address reinforced a clear message: gender-responsive mobility is not simply about safe travel but about enabling women to participate fully in the economic, social and civic life of cities. Odisha’s approach, she added, should be part of a larger vision of inclusive, people-centric urban development.