19th Urban Mobility India Conference Inaugurated in Bhubaneswar

Why in the News?

Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs **Tokhan Sahu** inaugurated the **19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition 2026** in **Bhubaneswar, Odisha**.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Conference Theme: **‘Urban Accessibility and Liveability in Digital Age’**.

- Organizers: Organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) through the Institute of Urban Transport (India), supported by the Government of Odisha.

- Metro Expansion Milestones: MoS Tokhan Sahu highlighted that India’s operational metro network expanded from 248 km in 2014 to over **1,185 km across 26 cities**, with another 998 km under construction.

- Strategic Initiatives: Emphasized key digital tools including National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), QR-based ticketing, and the **PM e-Bus Sewa** scheme.

- State Highlight: Odisha's tech-driven **'Ama Bus' / 'Mo Bus'** services were showcased as exemplary models for regional public transit integration.

- Concluding Ceremony: Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs **Manohar Lal** delivered the valedictory address and presented the ‘Excellence/Best Practice Projects in Urban Transport’ awards.

Static GK Facts:

- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA): Union Cabinet Minister - Manohar Lal.

- Institute of Urban Transport (India): Key professional body dedicated to promoting sustainable urban transport solutions and capacity development.

- National Common Mobility Card (NCMC): Interoperable transport card launched under the "One Nation, One Card" initiative for seamless transit payments across buses, metros, and tolling.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Where was the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition 2026 inaugurated?

A: Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Q: What was the central theme of the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference 2026?

A: Urban Accessibility and Liveability in Digital Age

Q: How many cities in India currently have operational metro rail networks spanning over 1,185 km?

A: 26 Cities

Q: 'Mo Bus' (Ama Bus) is an award-winning urban public transport initiative belonging to which state?

A: Odisha

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