Bhubaneswar to host urban mobility and governance conferences from today
Digital transport, safer streets and municipal reforms will be in focus at the two events, with Odisha planning to launch PM e-Bus Sewa and release urban planning and public-space guidelines.
The 19th Urban Mobility India Conference and Exhibition will be held on October 23–24, followed by the second National Urban Conclave on October 24–25.
BHUBANESWAR: Digital technologies for public transport, safer pedestrian access and reforms to urban service delivery will be discussed at two national conferences being organised in Bhubaneswar from October 23 to 25.
The 19th Urban Mobility India Conference and Exhibition will be held on October 23–24, followed by the second National Urban Conclave on October 24–25, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs said in an October 22 statement. Both events will take place at Hotel Mayfair Sanctuary, with support from the Odisha government.
The mobility conference, themed “Urban Accessibility and Liveability in Digital Age”, will examine sustainable and low-carbon public transport, integration between transport modes, first- and last-mile connectivity, and technology-enabled passenger services.
Discussions will include Mobility as a Service, which integrates transport options, and real-time GPS-based solutions to improve the efficiency and convenience of urban travel.
Around 1,500 delegates, including national and international speakers, are expected to participate. The gathering will bring together policymakers, government officials, metro rail companies, transport undertakings, technology providers, researchers and academics.
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu is scheduled to inaugurate the conference in the presence of Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra.
An accompanying exhibition will feature 28 exhibitors from the Odisha government, metro rail companies and the public and private sectors. A research symposium will present 46 selected papers, including 20 oral presentations and 26 posters.
The National Urban Conclave will focus on “Urban Rising – Rethinking Urban Systems, Solutions and Delivery”, with discussions covering seven areas of urban development and governance.
Its “Right to Walk” session will examine continuous footpaths, safe school zones, pedestrian crossings and last-mile connections. Water and waste discussions will focus on reducing water losses, reusing treated wastewater and recovering resources from waste.
Other sessions will address affordable and rental housing, coordinated infrastructure planning, GIS-based systems, municipal finances, procurement reforms and technical capacity.
Proposed discussions on model building bye-laws will examine simpler approvals, safety, accessibility and climate resilience. A session on model municipal law will consider municipal autonomy, institutional accountability and the respective powers of elected representatives and executive authorities.
The conclave will also include a meeting of State and Union Territory Urban Development Ministers to review earlier discussions and identify priorities requiring further coordination.
Sahu is scheduled to inaugurate the conclave in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. NITI Aayog CEO Anurag Jain and Member Rajiv Gauba are also scheduled to participate as chief guests.
The National Institute of Urban Affairs is the knowledge partner, while HUDCO and NBCC are principal sponsors.
Odisha plans to launch PM e-Bus Sewa during the events and release the ANKUR Handbook, town planning handbooks and a policy on government and privately owned public spaces.
A pavilion by the Capital Region Urban Transport organisation will showcase Ama Bus, electric mobility, feeder services, women’s participation and technology-enabled passenger convenience and safety. Exposure visits will cover waste processing, resource recovery, housing, public spaces and citizen services.
