Bhubaneswar: The 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Expo and the second National Urban Conclave are set to bring policymakers, urban planners, administrators and transport sector representatives to Bhubaneswar from October 23 to 25, 2026.
Jointly organised by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Odisha Government, the events will focus on urban transport, affordable housing, sanitation, infrastructure development and smart city governance. Discussions will explore ways to improve urban mobility in the digital era and enhance the quality of life for city residents.
The UMI Conference and Expo will take place on October 23 and 24, followed by the National Urban Conclave on October 24 and 25.
Pradhan Mantri e-Bus Sewa to Be Launched in Odisha
The formal launch of the Pradhan Mantri e-Bus Sewa in Odisha is planned as part of the programme. The event will also feature the presentation of the ANKUR Handbook, the Odisha Town Planning Handbook and a policy concerning public spaces in government and private areas.
Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) will showcase initiatives related to the Ama Bus service, electric mobility and women’s empowerment.
These initiatives are expected to bring attention to public transport development, sustainable mobility and efforts to improve urban transport services.
Seven Sessions to Address Key Urban Development Issues
Satinder Pal Singh, Additional Secretary in the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, said the National Urban Conclave would feature seven sessions covering major issues in urban development and governance.
The sessions will focus on:
- Right to walk: Making cities more accessible and pedestrian-friendly.
- Water and waste circularity: Addressing water management, wastewater treatment and solid waste management.
- Affordable housing: Discussing housing access and urban residential needs.
- Integrated urban development: Exploring coordinated infrastructure planning and delivery.
- Urban service delivery: Examining new approaches to providing essential services to residents.
- Model building by-laws: Discussing frameworks for urban construction and planning.
- Model municipal laws: Exploring legal frameworks for municipal administration and governance.
The discussions are expected to provide a platform for representatives from different States to exchange ideas and share approaches to urban planning, infrastructure delivery and municipal administration.
Bhubaneswar Hosts UMI Conference for the First Time
Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, described Bhubaneswar’s selection as the host city as a matter of pride for Odisha.
“This is a matter of great pride for Odisha. This is the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference, and previous editions have been held in different places, including Delhi, Haryana and Chennai. However, it was never held in any city in eastern India, and Bhubaneswar is hosting it for the first time,” Padhee said.
She also explained that the National Urban Conclave is a flagship programme of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs that brings together participants from States across the country.
According to Padhee, the first edition of the conclave was held in Delhi, while the second edition is being organised in Bhubaneswar.
Sand Art, Heritage Walk and Cycling Trail Planned
Apart from policy discussions and technical sessions, the programme will feature cultural and public activities highlighting Bhubaneswar’s heritage and urban environment.
A special sand art installation by renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik is planned as part of the event. An Ekamra heritage walk and a cycling trail are also scheduled.
These activities are intended to showcase the city’s cultural identity and provide visitors with opportunities to experience its heritage and public spaces.
Bhubaneswar’s Urban Development Initiatives in Focus
The conference will also showcase initiatives undertaken in Bhubaneswar in areas such as urban cleanliness, beautification and infrastructure development.
The event provides an opportunity to discuss how cities can combine transport planning, sustainable infrastructure, accessible public spaces and improved civic services to address the challenges associated with urban growth.
With participants from across India and abroad expected to attend, the conference and conclave will serve as platforms for exchanging ideas on urban mobility and city governance.
Event Schedule
- October 23–24, 2026: 19th Urban Mobility India Conference and Expo.
- October 24–25, 2026: Second National Urban Conclave.
The two events will bring urban development and mobility issues into focus in Bhubaneswar, with discussions spanning public transport, housing, sanitation, infrastructure planning and municipal governance.
