Paperman Media । Bhubaneswar, October 23
The 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition 2026 was inaugurated in Bhubaneswar on Friday by Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu and Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra. The two-day event, being held on October 23–24 at Hotel Mayfair Sanctuary, is organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs through the Institute of Urban Transport (India), with support from the Odisha government.
The conference, themed ‘Urban Accessibility and Liveability in Digital Age’, brings together policymakers, urban transport experts, industry representatives and researchers to discuss innovative solutions for accessible, inclusive and sustainable urban mobility.
Addressing the inaugural session, Sahu highlighted India’s rapid expansion of metro rail infrastructure, with the operational network growing from 248 km in 2014 to over 1,185 km across 26 cities. He also emphasised the role of digital ticketing, the National Common Mobility Card and PM e-Bus Sewa in improving public transport. Appreciating Odisha’s Ama Bus services, he said efficient and inclusive mobility would contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Mahapatra stressed that urban mobility should improve citizens’ quality of life. He highlighted Ama Bus and Ama E-Ride as initiatives aimed at providing safe, affordable and convenient transport for commuters, including women, students and working professionals.
Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg outlined the state’s 8S approach to urban mobility, emphasising service reliability, smart mobility, sustainability, safety, seamless connectivity, inclusion and commuter satisfaction. She said around 800 buses were serving eight cities, supported by digital ticketing and greater participation of women drivers.
The exhibition features 28 exhibitors showcasing emerging technologies, best practices and innovative urban transport solutions. The first day included technical sessions and round-table discussions on intelligent transport systems, data governance, gender-responsive planning, electric buses, air quality and regional mobility.
A research symposium has selected 46 papers, including 20 for oral presentations and 26 for poster displays. The conference will conclude on October 24 with awards recognising excellence and best practices in urban transport.
The National Urban Conclave 2026 will follow at the same venue on October 24–25.
