Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar is set to host two major national urban events this week — the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition 2026 on October 23-24, followed by the 2nd National Urban Conclave on October 24-25 at Hotel Mayfair Sanctuary.
The events are being organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, with support from the Government of Odisha.
Addressing a curtain-raiser press conference in Bhubaneswar today, Additional Secretary, MoHUA, Satinder Pal Singh briefed about the National Urban Conclave, while Joint Secretary Praveer Kumar shared details of the UMI Conference. Additional Chief Secretary, Odisha, Usha Padhee highlighted state collaboration. Director, MoHUA, Yogesh Antil was also present.
National Urban Conclave 2026The second edition of the National Urban Conclave will be held on October 24-25. It is being organized by MoHUA with support from Government of Odisha, HUDCO and NBCC. NIUA is the knowledge partner and HUDCO & NBCC are the principal sponsors. The theme for this year is ‘Urban Rising – Rethinking Urban Systems, Solutions and Delivery’, focusing on strengthening urban systems, institutions and implementation mechanisms.
The Conclave will be inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu in presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. NITI Aayog CEO Anurag Jain and Member Rajiv Gauba will also attend as Chief Guests.
The Conclave will deliberate on seven key thematic areas — Right to Walk, Water, Waste and Resource Efficiency, Affordable Housing, Integrated Urban Development and Infrastructure Delivery, New Paradigms for Urban Service Delivery, Model Building Bye-Laws and Model Municipal Law. It will also include a meeting of Urban Development Ministers of States and UTs to review progress and identify priorities.
19th Urban Mobility India Conference
The UMI Conference will be held on October 23-24, organized through the Institute of Urban Transport (India) with support from Odisha Government. The theme is ‘Urban Accessibility and Liveability in Digital Age’. The conference will focus on sustainable and low-carbon public transport, multi-modal integration, first and last-mile connectivity and use of digital technologies like Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and GPS-based solutions. Around 1500 delegates including national and international speakers are expected.
It will be inaugurated by MoS Tokhan Sahu in presence of Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra. The exhibition will showcase best practices and latest technologies in urban transport with 28 exhibitors. A Research Symposium will feature 46 selected papers, with cash awards of Rs 25,000 for top three papers.
Odisha’s Initiatives: Padhee said hosting both events reflects Odisha’s growing role in national urban discourse. The state plans to launch PM e-Bus Sewa during the events, besides releasing the ANKUR Handbook, Town Planning Handbooks and Policy on Public Spaces. A dedicated CRUT pavilion will showcase Ama Bus, e-mobility and women-led initiatives. Renowned artist Sudarsan Pattnaik will create a special sand art installation.
BMC and BDA are undertaking cleanliness, beautification and exposure visits showcasing waste management, housing, parks and public spaces. Heritage Ekamra Walks, cycle trails, and showcases by Mission Shakti, Utkalika, Boyanika and Koraput Coffee will offer delegates a glimpse of Odisha’s culture and entrepreneurship.
Cultural programs including Gotipua and Odissi dance by Padma Guru Aruna Mohanty and troupe will also be held.
