Bhubaneswar:: The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), through its Heritage Cell initiative Ekamra Walks, flagged off a special Cycling Trail at 6:30 am today from Mayfair Sanctuary and Convention, coinciding the Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Expo 2026.
The initiative offers delegates attending the three-day conclave an opportunity to experience Bhubaneswar beyond the conference venue, connecting sustainable mobility with the city’s natural assets and urban identity.
Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister for Housing and Urban Development of Odisha Government, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and flagged off the Cycling Trail. The event was attended by Sulochana Das, Mayor of Bhubaneswar; Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Amitabh Thakur, Transport Commissioner of Odisha; Md. Sadique Alam, Managing Director of Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT); Arindam Dakua, Director of Municipal Administration; Chanchal Rana, Vice-Chairman, BDA and Bhanu Pratap Singh Bhadoria, Director (UT), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Following the flag-off, the dignitaries and participants embarked on a cycling ride from Mayfair Sanctuary and Convention to Ekamra Kanan and back. The ride offered an opportunity to experience the city at a relaxed pace, connecting active mobility with the green spaces and natural surroundings of Bhubaneswar.
The Cycling Trail reflects the spirit of the UMI Conference by bringing active mobility and sustainable urban experiences into the way visitors discover a city. It demonstrates how cycling can serve not only as a mode of transport but also as a means of connecting people with public spaces, green areas and the everyday character of an urban landscape.
Alongside the Cycling Trail, Ekamra Walks has curated other special experiences for UMI delegates, including Walk in the Wilderness at Deras, Heritage Trails and Bhubaneswar by Night. These guided trails offer varied perspectives on the capital, from its natural surroundings and ancient Kalingan temple architecture to its evolution from a historic temple city into a modern planned urban centre.
Through these experiences, Ekamra Walks seeks to showcase the many dimensions of Bhubaneswar, bringing together its living traditions, historic landmarks, natural landscapes and contemporary urban identity. The initiative complements the discussions at UMI on sustainable mobility and urban development by encouraging delegates to engage directly with the city and its diverse heritage.
An initiative of the Heritage Cell of BDA, Ekamra Walks continues to create opportunities for residents and visitors to discover Bhubaneswar through curated, guided experiences that connect its past, present and future.
