19th Urban Mobility India Conference and Exhibition 2026 Inaugurated
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) inaugurated the 19th Urban Mobility India Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on October 23, 2026. Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Tokhan Sahu inaugurated the two-day conference at Hotel Mayfair Sanctuary, which is being organized through the Institute of Urban Transport (India) with support from the Government of Odisha.
Conference Theme and Participation
The conference focuses on the theme 'Urban Accessibility and Liveability in Digital Age' and aims to improve urban accessibility, integrated transport infrastructure, and quality of urban life through emerging digital technologies. Approximately 1,500 delegates from India and abroad are participating in the event, which includes technical sessions, round table discussions, and research symposiums. The conference provides a platform for sharing national and international best practices, emerging technologies, and innovative solutions in urban mobility.
Infrastructure Achievements and Expansion
Union Minister Sahu highlighted significant metro rail infrastructure expansion, noting that India's operational metro network has grown from 248 kilometres in 2014 to over 1,185 kilometres across 26 cities. Work is currently underway on an additional 998 kilometres of metro lines. This expansion, along with initiatives such as the National Common Mobility Card, QR-based ticketing, and PM e-Bus Sewa, is transforming urban mobility and making public transport more accessible and sustainable.
Exhibition and Technical Sessions
A total of 28 exhibitors from the Government of Odisha, Metro Rail Companies, public sector organizations, and private sector entities are showcasing best practices, emerging technologies, services, and innovative mobility solutions. The first day featured a Conclave Session on 'Liveability, Mobility and Accessibility in Digital Age', a Technical Session on 'Data Governance and Intelligent Transport', and three Round Table discussions covering gender-responsive urban planning, modernizing bus systems, and transport-related air quality issues.
Odisha's Urban Mobility Initiatives
Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister of Housing and Urban Development for Odisha, emphasized the state's focus on developing safe, reliable, affordable, and people-centric public transport systems through initiatives such as Ama Bus and Ama E-Ride. Chief Secretary Smt. Anu Garg detailed Odisha's 8S approach to urban mobility: Service Access & Service Reliability, Smart Mobility, Sustainability, Systems, Safety, Seamlessness, Samaveshi, and Satisfaction. The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) operates around 800 buses serving eight cities with digital ticketing and significant participation of women drivers.
Research and Awards
A Research Symposium is featuring 46 peer-reviewed research papers, with 20 presentations and 26 poster presentations. The three best research papers will receive cash awards of ₹25,000 each. The conference will conclude with awards for 'Excellence/Best Practice Projects in Urban Transport' to outstanding States, cities, and transport organizations across different categories, presented by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Shri Manohar Lal.
Future Focus Areas
The second day of the conference will feature discussions on transit-oriented development, people-centric streets, behavioral change and public communication, intelligent and secure mobility, and rail-led integrated urban development. The conference aims to contribute to innovative solutions for making Indian cities more accessible, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable, supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.