India's Transit Leap: Metro Expansion and E-Buses Take Center Stage at UMI Conference
Union Minister Manohar Lal outlines the future of Indian transport with new metro projects and e-bus expansions at the UMI Conference in Bhubaneswar.
The 19th Urban Mobility India Conference and Exhibition 2026 wrapped up in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, leaving behind a clear roadmap for the future of Indian cities. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, underscored a critical shift in strategy: urban mobility must no longer be an afterthought but must be integrated into city planning from the very beginning.
The Three Pillars of Future Transport
During the event, Minister Manohar Lal outlined a vision for India's urban transport guided by three fundamental principles:
- Integration: Ensuring seamless connectivity between different modes of transport.
- Inclusiveness: Creating public transport that is accessible to everyone, specifically catering to women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
- Intelligence: Leveraging technology-driven mobility solutions to modernize city travel.
Massive Investment in Metro Networks
The Minister revealed a significant surge in infrastructure development. Since December 2025, the government has approved nine new metro projects. These projects will span approximately 174 kilometres and involve a massive investment exceeding Rs 59,000 crore.
Currently, India's operational metro network has grown to 1,185 kilometres, serving 26 cities. In a recent push, an additional 102 kilometres of network have already become operational.
The Rise of Green Transit: PM e-Bus Sewa
Sustainability was a major theme of the conference, highlighted by the progress of the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme. The Minister shared that 1,100 electric buses are now active across 28 cities, transporting roughly 2.5 lakh passengers every single day, marking a significant step toward reducing urban carbon footprints.
AI and Data: The New Traffic Controllers
Beyond physical tracks and tires, the government is looking toward the digital horizon. Minister Manohar Lal stressed that artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time data are essential tools for the future. These technologies are expected to revolutionize traffic management, enhance passenger safety, and boost overall operational efficiency in crowded urban centers.
Celebrating Excellence: The Award Winners
The valedictory session, shared by Manohar Lal and Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, honored cities and agencies that have set new benchmarks in transport:
- Bhubaneswar: Recognized for its green transport initiatives.
- Chennai: Awarded for its non-motorised transport system.
- Delhi: Acknowledged for its public transport system and innovation in smart mobility.
- Kochi Metro Rail Ltd: Honored for achieving multi-modal integration.
- Chennai Metro Rail Ltd & NCRTC: Recognized for excellence in passenger services and satisfaction.
- Noida Metro Rail Corporation Ltd: Received a special award for optimising civil structural design.
A Collaborative Vision for Liveable Cities
The two-day event, organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs through the Institute of Urban Transport (India) and supported by the Government of Odisha, saw the participation of 1,500 delegates and experts from across the globe. Twenty-eight exhibitors showcased the latest innovations in urban transit.
Discussions spanned a wide array of sustainable topics, including transit-oriented development, the creation of safe and walkable streets, and the expansion of cycling infrastructure.
Closing the event, Odisha Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra urged that the recommendations and ideas generated during the conference must be turned into practical, on-ground solutions to ensure Indian cities become safer, more accessible, and more liveable for all.