The 19th Urban Mobility India Conference began in Bhubaneswar on October 23, bringing policymakers, transport agencies, metro companies, industry representatives and urban mobility experts together to discuss how Indian cities can improve accessibility, public transport and quality of urban life.
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu inaugurated the two-day conference, which is being held on October 23 and 24. The event has been organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs through the Institute of Urban Transport (India), with support from the Odisha Government.
Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Chief Secretary Anu Garg and senior officials from the Union ministry and Odisha’s Housing and Urban Development Department attended the inaugural session. National and international experts, policymakers, representatives of metro rail companies, transport undertakings, industry professionals and academicians are also participating.
This year’s theme is ‘Urban Accessibility and Liveability in Digital Age’. The conference is examining integrated transport infrastructure, sustainable and low-carbon public transport, seamless multimodal connections and first- and last-mile connectivity. Discussions are also addressing traffic congestion, emissions and the use of digital technologies to make urban transport more accessible and inclusive.
Speaking at the event, Sahu said progress in urban development should be assessed by how safely, comfortably and independently citizens can travel within cities. He specifically referred to women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities while describing inclusive mobility as a measure of urban development.
Sahu said India’s operational metro network had expanded from 248 km in 2014 to more than 1,185 km across 26 cities. He added that another 998 km of metro network was under construction. The minister also cited the National Common Mobility Card, QR-based ticketing and PM e-Bus Sewa as initiatives intended to improve the accessibility and sustainability of public transport.
He referred to Odisha’s Ama Bus and Mo Bus services as examples of modern, technology-enabled public transport. The services were highlighted during the conference as part of the wider discussion on how cities can use technology and improved operations to expand public transport access.
An exhibition featuring urban transport practices from India and abroad was also inaugurated. It includes emerging technologies, mobility services and transport solutions, with 28 exhibitors participating from the Odisha Government, metro rail companies, public sector organisations and private entities.
The first day included a conclave session, a technical session, three round-table discussions and a special session on comprehensive regional mobility planning. The discussions covered digital technology, data governance, institutional reforms and sustainable transport systems. The conference is scheduled to continue through October 24.
