Bhubaneswar: Delegates attending the Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Expo 2026 got an opportunity to explore Bhubaneswar beyond the conference halls as the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), through its Heritage Cell initiative Ekamra Walks, organised a special cycling trail on Saturday morning.
Flagged off at 6:30 am from Mayfair Sanctuary and Convention, the cycling trail took participants to Ekamra Kanan and back, offering a leisurely experience of the city’s green spaces and natural surroundings. The initiative sought to connect the theme of sustainable urban mobility with the everyday experience of exploring the city.
Dr Krushna Chandra Mohapatra, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Government of Odisha, attended the event as the chief guest and flagged off the ride.
Among those present were Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee, Odisha Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, Capital Region Urban Transport Managing Director Md. Sadique Alam, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua, BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana and Bhanu Pratap Singh Bhadoria, Director (UT), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
The ride highlighted cycling as more than a means of transport, demonstrating how active mobility can help people connect with public spaces, parks and the natural environment. By allowing delegates to experience the city at a relaxed pace, the trail also offered a different perspective on Bhubaneswar’s urban landscape.
Beyond conference halls
The cycling trail forms part of a series of curated experiences organised by Ekamra Walks for delegates attending the three-day UMI conference and expo. Other offerings include Walk in the Wilderness at Deras, heritage trails and Bhubaneswar by Night.
These experiences showcase different facets of the capital city, from its natural landscapes and ancient Kalingan temple architecture to its transformation into a modern planned urban centre. Together, they offer visitors an opportunity to understand Bhubaneswar’s historical roots, living traditions and contemporary urban identity.
The initiative complements the UMI conference’s focus on sustainable mobility and urban development by encouraging delegates to engage directly with the city. It also highlights how walking and cycling can serve as ways to explore urban spaces while promoting active and environmentally conscious mobility.
An initiative of the BDA’s Heritage Cell, Ekamra Walks offers guided experiences designed to help residents and visitors discover Bhubaneswar’s heritage, culture and natural assets.
Details and bookings are available at www.ekamra-walks.com.
