Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar will host two major national-level events on urban development and mobility this week, bringing together policymakers, urban administrators, researchers and industry representatives to discuss sustainable transport, urban governance and improved civic services.
The 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition 2026 will be held on October 23 and 24, followed by the second National Urban Conclave on October 24 and 25. Both events will take place at Hotel Mayfair Sanctuary and are being organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, with support from the Odisha government.
Addressing a curtain-raiser press conference in Bhubaneswar, MoHUA Additional Secretary Satinder Pal Singh briefed the media on the National Urban Conclave, while Joint Secretary Praveer Kumar outlined the programme for the UMI Conference. Odisha Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee highlighted the State government’s preparations and initiatives.
National Urban Conclave to focus on urban systems
The second National Urban Conclave will be held under the theme ‘Urban Rising – Rethinking Urban Systems, Solutions and Delivery’. Organised by MoHUA with support from the Odisha government, the event will have the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) as its knowledge partner, with HUDCO and NBCC as principal sponsors.
The conclave will be inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. NITI Aayog CEO Anurag Jain and NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba will also participate as chief guests.
The discussions will cover seven key areas: pedestrian-friendly streets, water and waste management, affordable housing, integrated urban infrastructure, urban service delivery, model building bye-laws and model municipal law.
The sessions will examine ways to make streets safer through continuous footpaths and better crossings, improve water-use efficiency and waste recovery, expand access to affordable housing, and strengthen coordination in urban infrastructure planning.
Participants will also discuss reforms to improve municipal finances and service delivery, simplify building approvals, strengthen safety and accessibility standards, and enhance the autonomy and accountability of urban local bodies.
A meeting of Urban Development Ministers from states and Union Territories will also be held to review progress on issues discussed at previous national and regional meetings and identify priorities for further coordination.
The National Urban Conclave was instituted as an annual platform for discussions on India’s urban development. Its inaugural edition was held in New Delhi in November 2025.
Urban Mobility India Conference to draw 1,500 delegates
The 19th UMI Conference and Exhibition will focus on ‘Urban Accessibility and Liveability in Digital Age’. Organised by MoHUA through the Institute of Urban Transport (India), with support from the Odisha government, the event is expected to attract around 1,500 delegates, including national and international speakers.
The conference will deliberate on sustainable and low-carbon public transport, integration of different transport modes, first- and last-mile connectivity, and the use of digital technology to improve passenger convenience and urban mobility.
Discussions will also explore Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and real-time GPS-based solutions to make transport services more seamless and efficient.
The conference will be inaugurated by Tokhan Sahu in the presence of Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra and other dignitaries.
An exhibition showcasing urban transport best practices, emerging technologies and services from India and abroad will feature 28 exhibitors from the Odisha government, metro rail companies, and public and private sector organisations.
A research symposium will provide young researchers and PhD scholars with an opportunity to present their work. A peer group has selected 46 research papers, with 20 candidates set to make presentations and the remaining 26 papers to be presented through posters. The three best papers selected by a jury will receive cash awards of Rs 25,000 each, while all presenters will receive certificates.
The conference is an annual initiative under the National Urban Transport Policy, 2006, which emphasises capacity building at the state and city levels and promotes equitable and sustainable urban transport systems.
Cultural programmes featuring Gotipua and Odissi dance by Padma Shri awardee Guru Aruna Mohanty and her troupe will also showcase Odisha’s cultural heritage.
PM e-Bus Sewa launch planned
Odisha plans to launch the PM e-Bus Sewa initiative during the events, marking a step towards cleaner public transport and improved urban connectivity.
Several state initiatives are also scheduled to be launched or released, including the ANKUR Handbook, Odisha Town Planning Handbooks and the Policy on Government and Privately Owned Public Spaces for Odisha. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening urban planning capacity, promoting planned growth and improving access to public spaces.
The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) pavilion will showcase Odisha’s public transport journey through Ama Bus services, electric mobility, feeder services, women’s participation and technology-enabled passenger convenience and safety.
A special sand art installation by renowned artist Sudarsan Pattnaik will highlight sustainable and inclusive mobility, with a focus on pedestrians, cyclists and accessible streets.
City showcases urban development initiatives
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is undertaking cleanliness, sanitation, beautification and public-space improvement works ahead of the events. Exposure visits for delegates will showcase initiatives in waste processing and resource recovery, shelters and rehabilitation, inclusive neighbourhood development, urban greenery and citizen services.
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) will support the programme through exhibition displays and exposure visits covering planned urban development, housing, town planning schemes, public transport infrastructure, parks and rejuvenated public spaces.
Special Ekamra Walks and a cycling trail will give delegates an opportunity to explore the city’s heritage and public spaces while highlighting walking, cycling and other non-motorised modes of transport.
Odisha will also share its experience in bus modernisation, regional mobility planning and urban service delivery during the deliberations.
Women-led enterprises and local products in focus
The events will also showcase Odisha’s handicrafts, handlooms and regional products. Mission Shakti will display products made by women’s self-help groups, highlighting women’s entrepreneurship and community-led livelihoods.
Utkalika will showcase the state’s handicraft traditions, while Boyanika will present Odisha’s handloom heritage and the work of its weavers. Koraput Coffee will introduce delegates to the region’s distinctive coffee and the livelihoods associated with its production.
Speaking at the press conference, Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee said the State government was committed to sustainable urban development, improved mobility and efficient delivery of urban services.
She said hosting the two events reflected Odisha’s growing engagement in national discussions on urban transformation. The State is focusing on stronger urban infrastructure, technology-driven transport solutions, improved accessibility and liveability, and collaboration among stakeholders to build inclusive and future-ready cities.
The two events are expected to provide a common platform for exchanging ideas and experiences and exploring practical solutions to challenges related to sustainable mobility, urban governance and civic service delivery.
