Bhubaneswar: Odisha is gearing up to host two major national-level urban development events, with preparations underway for the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference-cum-Exhibition and the 2nd National Urban Conclave in Bhubaneswar from October 23 to 25.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra reviewed the preparations at a meeting held at Kharavel Bhavan and called for coordinated efforts by all departments and agencies involved in hosting the three-day event.
The conference and exhibition will be held at Hotel Mayfair Sanctuary, Bhubaneswar, on the theme “Urban Accessibility and Liveability in the Digital Age: Advancing Rail-led Development.”
The event is being organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, in collaboration with Odisha’s Housing and Urban Development Department and the Comprehensive Region Urban Transport (CRUT).
During the preparatory meeting, Mahapatra reviewed the work being undertaken by various departments and agencies and stressed that preparations should cover not only the conference venue but the overall experience of delegates visiting Bhubaneswar.
He called for coordinated action on mobility, hospitality, cleanliness, beautification, infrastructure, security, protocol, cultural programmes and visitor facilitation, besides ensuring that all assigned responsibilities are completed within the stipulated timelines.
The Minister described the event as an important opportunity for Odisha to showcase its progress and vision in urban development and mobility before policymakers, urban planners, experts and delegates from across the country.
Emphasising the importance of hospitality, Mahapatra said visitors should experience both a professionally organised national event and the warmth and culture of Odisha.
“Our guests should not only experience a well-organised national event, but also feel the warmth of Odisha and the spirit of being an Odia. The spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava should guide our preparations and hospitality,” he said.
He urged officials to work as a single coordinated team and ensure that delegates leave Odisha with a memorable experience.
The event is expected to attract around 1,000 to 1,500 delegates and feature approximately 51 exhibition stalls.
It will provide a national platform for policy discussions, knowledge sharing, technology demonstrations, industry-government interaction and exchange of experiences in urban mobility and development.
A multi-committee coordination mechanism has been established to oversee different aspects of the event, including finance and budget, logistics and accommodation, exhibition, venue management, seminars, food, VIP guest management, awards and felicitation, communication and media, publications, essential services and cultural programmes.
The preparatory meeting was attended by senior officials and nodal officers from the Housing and Urban Development Department and several other departments and agencies, including CRUT, Home, Works, Tourism, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, Odisha Language Literature and Culture, Information and Public Relations and Mission Shakti.
Mahapatra expressed confidence that coordinated efforts would enable Odisha to host the national event successfully and present Bhubaneswar as a city committed to accessible, sustainable and technology-driven urban development.
“Housing and Urban Development Department is completely on track and preparing in full gear to make this event a huge success,” the Minister said.
CRUT Managing Director Md. Sadique Alam, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua, and BMC Commissioner, BDA Vice-Chairman and Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited MD Chanchal Rana, along with senior officials and nodal officers of various departments, attended the meeting.
