Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, is organising two major national events in Bhubaneswar to discuss sustainable urban mobility, infrastructure development and improved urban governance. The 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition 2026 will be held on October 23–24, followed by the second National Urban Conclave on October 24–25 at Hotel Mayfair Sanctuary, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The events will bring together policymakers, urban administrators, technical experts, industry representatives, researchers and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore practical solutions for India’s evolving urban challenges.
At a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Satinder Pal Singh, Additional Secretary, MoHUA, outlined the agenda for the National Urban Conclave 2026. Praveer Kumar, Joint Secretary, MoHUA, discussed the Urban Mobility India Conference and Exhibition, while Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha, highlighted the state’s preparations and commitment to sustainable urban development. Yogesh Antil, Director, MoHUA, was also present.
National Urban Conclave 2026 to Focus on Strengthening Urban Systems
The second National Urban Conclave will be organised by MoHUA with support from the Government of Odisha, the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) and NBCC. The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) will serve as the knowledge partner, while HUDCO and NBCC will act as principal sponsors.
This year’s theme is “Urban Rising – Rethinking Urban Systems, Solutions and Delivery.” The Conclave aims to strengthen urban institutions, improve service delivery and develop effective implementation mechanisms to enhance the functioning of Indian cities.
The event will be inaugurated by Tokhan Sahu, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, in the presence of Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha. Anurag Jain and Rajiv Gauba, members of NITI Aayog, will attend as chief guests.
First inaugurated in New Delhi in November 2025, the National Urban Conclave is an annual forum for discussions on urban development policies, institutional reforms and practical solutions for cities.
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Seven Key Themes of National Urban Conclave
The Conclave will cover seven thematic areas addressing major challenges in urban development and governance.
- Right to Walk: Promoting safer, more accessible streets for pedestrians.
- Water, Waste and Resource Efficiency: Improving urban services and encouraging waste recovery and resource utilisation.
- Affordable Housing: Addressing rental housing needs and promoting climate-resilient construction.
- Integrated Urban Development and Infrastructure Delivery: Improving coordination among agencies and strengthening urban planning.
- New Paradigms for Urban Service Delivery: Examining institutional responsibilities, partnerships and more effective delivery systems.
- Model Building Bye-Laws: Simplifying approval processes while improving building safety.
- Model Municipal Law: Exploring legislative reforms to strengthen municipal autonomy and urban governance.
The Conclave will also host a meeting of Urban Development Ministers from states and Union Territories to review progress and identify priorities for coordinated urban development.
Urban Mobility India Conference 2026 to Promote Sustainable Transport
The 19th Urban Mobility India Conference and Exhibition will be organised by MoHUA through the Institute of Urban Transport (India), with support from the Government of Odisha.
The conference theme, “Urban Accessibility and Liveability in the Digital Age,” focuses on improving urban accessibility, integrating transport infrastructure and enhancing quality of life through digital technologies.
Discussions will cover sustainable and low-carbon public transport, multimodal integration, first- and last-mile connectivity, and the role of technology in improving urban mobility. Key topics will include Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and real-time GPS-based solutions.
Around 1,500 delegates, including national and international speakers, are expected to participate in the conference.
Tokhan Sahu will inaugurate the event in the presence of Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Government of Odisha, and other dignitaries.
The conference will bring together policymakers, senior officials from central and state governments, managing directors of metro rail companies, chief executives of transport undertakings, technology providers, urban mobility professionals and academicians.
Urban Transport Exhibition to Showcase Best Practices and Technologies
An exhibition featuring urban transport best practices from India and abroad, along with the latest technologies and services, will be organised alongside the conference.
The exhibition will be inaugurated by Tokhan Sahu on the first day and will run for three days. It will feature 28 exhibitors representing the Government of Odisha, metro rail companies, and public- and private-sector organisations.
The exhibition will provide a platform to showcase innovative transport solutions, emerging technologies and approaches to developing efficient and sustainable urban transport systems.
Research Symposium to Recognise Young Researchers
The Urban Mobility India Conference will feature a Research Symposium organised across four sessions to encourage young scholars and PhD students to present their research on urban mobility.
A total of 46 research papers have been selected for the symposium. Of these, 20 candidates will present their papers orally, while 26 will present their work through posters.
The three best papers, selected by a jury, will receive cash awards of ₹25,000 each. All presenters will also receive certificates of participation.
The Urban Mobility India Conference is an annual initiative under the National Urban Transport Policy, 2006. The policy emphasises capacity building at the state and city levels and promotes equitable and sustainable urban transport systems. The conference facilitates the exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices in urban mobility from India and other countries.
Odisha Highlights Sustainable Urban Development Initiatives
Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha, highlighted the state’s commitment to sustainable urban development, improved mobility and efficient delivery of urban services.
She noted that hosting the 19th Urban Mobility India Conference and the National Urban Conclave 2026 reflects Odisha’s growing participation in national discussions on urban transformation.
The state is focusing on strengthening urban infrastructure, promoting technology-driven transport solutions, improving accessibility and liveability, and encouraging stakeholder collaboration to develop inclusive, sustainable and future-ready cities.
Yogesh Antil, Director, MoHUA, was also present at the press conference.
PM e-Bus Sewa and Urban Planning Publications to Be Highlighted
As part of the events, Odisha plans to launch PM e-Bus Sewa initiatives to promote cleaner public transport and better urban connectivity.
The state will also release the ANKUR Handbook, Odisha Town Planning Handbooks, and the Policy on Government and Privately Owned Public Spaces. These initiatives highlight Odisha’s efforts to strengthen urban planning capacity and improve the management and use of public spaces.
A dedicated Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) pavilion will showcase Odisha’s public transport journey, including Ama Bus services, electric mobility, feeder services, women’s participation and technology-enabled passenger convenience and safety.
Sand Art, Heritage Walks and Cycling Activities to Promote Inclusive Mobility
A special sand art installation by renowned artist Sudarsan Pattnaik will connect Odisha’s cultural heritage with sustainable and inclusive mobility. The installation will highlight the importance of pedestrians, cyclists and accessible streets.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation is undertaking activities to improve city cleanliness, sanitation, beautification and public spaces ahead of the events.
Exposure visits will showcase waste processing, resource recovery, shelters and rehabilitation facilities, inclusive neighbourhood development, urban greenery and citizen services.
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority will support the programme through exhibition displays and exposure visits featuring planned urban development, housing, town planning schemes, public transport infrastructure, parks and rejuvenated public spaces.
Delegates will also have opportunities to participate in heritage walks, including Ekamra Walks, and a cycle trail. These activities will introduce participants to Bhubaneswar’s heritage while promoting walking, cycling and other forms of non-motorised transport.
Odisha to Showcase Women’s Entrepreneurship and Local Products
The events will also highlight Odisha’s cultural heritage, local industries and community-led livelihoods.
Mission Shakti will showcase products made by women’s self-help groups, highlighting women’s entrepreneurship and community participation in economic development.
Utkalika and Boyanika will present Odisha’s handicrafts and handloom traditions, respectively, while Koraput Coffee will introduce delegates to a distinctive regional product linked to local livelihoods.
These displays will complement the urban development discussions by showcasing the role of local enterprise, cultural identity and inclusive economic opportunities in building sustainable cities.
Events to Advance Urban Governance and Mobility in India
The Urban Mobility India Conference and the National Urban Conclave will provide platforms for stakeholders to discuss practical solutions to contemporary urban challenges.
While the Conclave will focus on institutional reforms, urban planning and improved service delivery, the mobility conference will address sustainable transport, digital technologies, multimodal connectivity and accessibility.
Through these discussions, exhibitions, research presentations and field visits, the events aim to encourage knowledge-sharing and collaboration among governments, industry, researchers and urban development professionals.
About HUDCO
The Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) is a Government of India public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It provides financial assistance and consultancy services for housing and urban infrastructure projects, supporting planned urban development and improved civic amenities across India.
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