Bhubaneswar’s Public Transport System Shines at UMI 2024

The 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition 2024 concluded with a valedictory session led by Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs and Power, Shri Manohar Lal, at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This three-day event brought together key stakeholders and experts to discuss advancements in sustainable urban mobility solutions.

The UMI awards recognize excellence and best practices in urban transport across various categories, 

1. City with the Most Sustainable Transport System
2. City with the Best Public Transport System
3. City with the Best Non-Motorised Transport System
4. City with the Best Safety and Security System & Record
5. City with the Best Intelligent Transport System (ITS)
6. City with the Most Innovative Financing Mechanism
7. City with the Best Record of Public Involvement in Transport
8. City with the Best Freight Transport System
9. City with the Best Green Transport Initiative
10. Metro Rail with the Best Multimodal Integration
11. Metro Rail with the Best Passenger Services and Satisfaction
12. Running Trophy for the State/UT with the Best Urban Transport Projects

Key Dignitaries Present

• Shri Tokhan Sahu: Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs.
• Shri Kanubhai Desai: Minister of Finance and Energy, Government of Gujarat.
• Shri K C Mohapatra: Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Public Enterprises, Government of Odisha.
• Shri Srinivas R Katikithala: Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.

Bhubaneswar Recognized for Excellence in Public Transport

• Bhubaneswar was awarded the title of ‘City with the Best Public Transport System’ at the Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition 2024.
• The award was presented to Odisha’s Housing & Urban Development Minister, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister, Manohar Lal.

Minister’s Statement

• Dr. Mahapatra emphasized that the award symbolizes a collective commitment to creating a sustainable future aligned with the “Viksit Odisha” vision.
• He highlighted the significant improvements in public transport that have altered the travel experience for citizens of Odisha.
• The state has adopted innovative technologies and expanded its transport network, prioritizing passenger safety and accessibility.

Complete List of awardees are as under,

Overview of the 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition 2024

Organizer

• Organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
• Conducted through the Institute of Urban Transport (India) with support from the Government of Gujarat and Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.

Event Details

• Over 2,200 delegates, including more than 50 international participants.
• 76 exhibitors participated from Metro Rail Companies, public and private sectors.
• Included 67 Indian exhibitors and 17 foreign exhibitors from countries like Germany, France, and Spain.
• The exhibition showcased best practices in urban transport and the latest urban transport technologies.

Significance

• The conference serves as a major platform for Indian manufacturers and foreign manufacturing companies to network and showcase innovations in urban transport.

Conference Theme and Focus Areas

Theme : Focused on “Standardisation and Optimisation of Urban Transport Solutions”.

Key Discussions

• Emphasized the need for standardization to optimize urban mobility, particularly in the Indian context.
• Discussed frameworks for integrating various modes of transport to improve urban mobility.
• Explored multilateral and bilateral funding opportunities under the Make in India policy.
• Highlighted the importance of big data for effective transport planning.
• Focused on the development of an E-Bus ecosystem in India.
• Discussed principles of digital public infrastructure related to the transition to electric buses.
• Addressed the necessity of benchmarking costs within the Metro system for economic viability.
• Explored innovative financing mechanisms to tackle challenges in urban transport.