Bhubaneswar: Odisha will host the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference-cum-Exhibition and the 2nd National Urban Conclave from October 23 to 25.
The three-day event, scheduled to be held in the capital city, is being organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in collaboration with the Housing & Urban Development Department and Comprehensive Region Urban Transport (CRUT) of Odisha.
The event will be held on the theme ‘Urban Accessibility and Liveability in the Digital Age: Advancing Rail-led Development.’
Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) and Public Enterprises Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra today chaired a preparatory meeting at Kharavel Bhavan and took stock of the preparations being undertaken by various departments and agencies.
The meeting brought together senior officials and nodal officers from the Housing & Urban Development Department and several other departments and agencies, including CRUT, Home, Works, Tourism, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts, Odisha Language Literature & Culture, Information & Public Relations, Mission Shakti and other concerned departments.
Emphasising that the event carries national significance, Mahapatra directed all departments and agencies to work in close coordination and ensure that every aspect of the event is executed seamlessly and within the stipulated timelines. He stressed that the preparations should extend beyond the conference venue to the overall city experience, including mobility, hospitality, cleanliness, beautification, infrastructure, security, protocol, cultural presentation and visitor facilitation.
He emphasised that the occasion provides Odisha an opportunity to showcase its progress, initiatives and vision in the field of urban development and mobility before policymakers, urban experts, delegates and representatives from across the country.
“Our guests should not only experience a well-organised national event, but also feel the warmth of Odisha and the spirit of being an Odia. The spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava should guide our preparations and hospitality. We should ensure that every official, delegate and representative carries back a memorable experience of Odisha,” said the Minister.
The Minister further emphasised that the event should reflect the collective efforts of the state government, with all participating departments working as one coordinated team. He called for close monitoring of each workstream and timely completion of all assigned responsibilities to ensure a smooth and successful event.
A multi-committee coordination mechanism has also been put in place covering finance and budget, logistics and accommodation, exhibition, venue management, seminars, food, VIP guest management, awards and felicitation, communication and media management, publication, essential services and cultural programmes.
The event is expected to bring together approximately 1,000–1,500 delegates and feature around 51 exhibition stalls, providing a national platform for policy exchange, knowledge sharing, technology showcases, industry-government dialogue and city-level learning.