17th Urban Mobility India Conference and Expo 2024 concluded in Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Gandhinagar, India (Urban Transport News): The 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Expo 2024 wrapped up successfully today at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar. Organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat and the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Ltd, the event attracted over 2,200 delegates, including international experts, policymakers, and transport professionals.

Inauguration Highlights

The conference was inaugurated on October 25 by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who highlighted India’s remarkable progress as the fifth-largest economy in the world. In his address, he emphasized the significant opportunities for sustainable urban transport that have emerged, particularly in the last decade. He underscored ongoing efforts to enhance urban infrastructure to make cities more liveable and efficient.

Accompanying the Chief Minister were Harsh Sanghavi, Minister of State for Home and Transport, and Srinivas R. Katikithala, Secretary of MoHUA, among other dignitaries. Minister Sanghavi outlined the “triple S principle” guiding urban transport initiatives: Sustainable, Sensitive, and Smart.

Secretary Katikithala noted the conference's importance in aligning with the National Urban Transport Policy 2006, stating it serves as an international platform for sharing best practices and addressing challenges in urban mobility.

Conference Themes and Discussions

The central theme of this year’s conference was “Standardisation and Optimisation of Urban Transport Solutions.” This theme guided discussions and presentations over the three days, focusing on several key areas:

• Harmonisation of Standards: Experts deliberated on the necessity of creating uniform standards for urban mobility solutions, which are crucial for integrating various transport modes effectively.

• Innovative Financing: The conference emphasized the need for innovative financing mechanisms to support urban transport projects, in alignment with the Make in India initiative.

• Data Utilization: Sessions highlighted the role of big data in transport planning, emphasizing its potential to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency in urban transport systems.

• E-Bus Ecosystem: Discussions also revolved around the development and expansion of the E-Bus ecosystem in India, exploring technological advancements and infrastructure needs.

• Clean Air Initiatives: The conference addressed strategies for achieving cleaner air in urban areas, focusing on sustainable transport solutions that reduce pollution.

• Urban Transport for Small and Medium Towns: Experts discussed the need for tailored urban transport solutions for smaller towns, aiming to improve accessibility and connectivity.

Awards and Recognition

The closing ceremony, held on October 27, was chaired by Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal and attended by dignitaries including Shri Tokhan Sahu, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, and Shri Kanubhai Desai, Minister of Finance and Energy for Gujarat. Minister Lal announced the winners of various categories that recognize excellence in urban transport:

1. City with the Most Sustainable Transport System: Kochi (Kochi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd)
2. City with the Best Public Transport System: Bhubaneswar (Capital Region Urban Transport)
3. City with the Best Non-Motorized Transport System: Srinagar (Srinagar Smart City Ltd)
4. City with the Best Safety and Security System: Gandhinagar (Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation)
5. City with the Best Intelligent Transport System: Surat (Surat Municipal Corporation)
6. City with the Most Innovative Financing Mechanism: Jammu (Jammu Smart City Ltd)
7. City with Best Record of Public Involvement in Transport: Bengaluru (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation)
8. Metro Rail with the Best Multimodal Integration: Bengaluru (Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd)
9. Metro Rail with the Best Passenger Services and Satisfaction: Mumbai (Mumbai Metro One Pvt. Ltd)

The awards celebrated the commitment of state and city authorities to enhance urban transport systems across India.

Future Directions

In his closing remarks, Minister Manohar Lal announced that the 18th UMI Conference & Expo will be hosted in Gurugram, Haryana, in 2025. He reiterated the significance of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), a pivotal initiative under the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of One Nation One Card, aimed at revolutionizing urban transport accessibility and efficiency.

The 17th UMI Conference & Expo 2024 successfully provided a collaborative platform for stakeholders in the urban mobility sector. It facilitated in-depth discussions on the future of urban transport in India and underscored the collective commitment to innovative, sustainable solutions. The insights gained and partnerships formed during the event are expected to drive significant advancements in the field, fostering a more integrated and efficient urban transport landscape in India.