Chandigarh, Nov 7 – Union Minister for Housing, Urban Affairs and Energy, Mr. Manohar Lal said that the primary objective of the 18th Urban Mobility India Conference and Exhibition is to enhance transportation systems and services to ensure accessibility in urban areas. The conference, held under the theme “Easy Mode of Travelling,” aims to generate policy-based recommendations that will bring positive changes to urban development and improve public services.
The Union Minister was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the three-day conference and exhibition in Gurugram on Friday. He also inaugurated and reviewed the developmental exhibition showcasing advancements in urban development and mobility.
New Announcements for Urban Development Initiatives
Mr. Manohar Lal, through his ministry, made three major announcements aimed at enhancing public convenience and developing robust urban infrastructure. He stated that the implementation of these initiatives would mark the beginning of a new phase of development. He announced the establishment of Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL), which will work towards expanding the metro network beyond India to other countries. A Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) will also be developed in partnership with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to strengthen metro interconnectivity and ensure safe, reliable transportation facilities and services for the public, in line with stringent safety and cybersecurity standards. To improve the quality of metro services and promote innovation, the Ministry of Urban Development will set up the Delhi Metro Rail Academy. This establishment will accelerate capacity building, and with the establishment of a Center of Excellence, this center will provide a new direction to metro services through innovative approaches. He said that while the national capital already has several large convention centers, Gurugram, as one of the country’s major cities, also needs a similar facility. In this context, he will discuss with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and work towards building a convention center equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
India’s Global Progress
Mr. Manohar Lal highlighted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is advancing rapidly toward self-reliance. He said that integrating transport networks will help position India as a developed nation by 2047, in line with the Make in India initiative. He further said that urban transformation is being carried out in alignment with evolving public needs, with a strong focus on sustainable and efficient urban transportation. India currently ranks third globally in metro service coverage, and within the next three years, it is expected to surpass the United States to become one of the leading nations in metro infrastructure. The Minister added that the Central Government is committed to adopting new technologies for public services, and through platforms like the Urban Mobility India Conference, the government will continue collaborating with experts to implement innovative, future-ready solutions for urban mobility.
The Country’s Urban Future is Being Reshaped with a New Vision – Tokhan Sahu
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Mr. Tokhan Sahu, stated that the conference marks a significant step toward achieving India’s developmental goals for 2047. Addressing the gathering, he said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country’s urban future is being shaped with new thinking, new energy, and renewed commitment. He added that this conference embodies both India’s rich cultural heritage and its strong resolve for progress. He said that India is currently undergoing a transformative era of infrastructure development, where urban transport has evolved beyond being merely a means of mobility—it has become a driving force for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
He emphasized that this year’s conference focuses on the vital interconnection between urban development and transportation, recognizing that a dynamic and inclusive transport system ensures citizens’ easy access to education, healthcare, employment, and essential services. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Mr. Sahu highlighted, initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, Mission AMRUT, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), metro rail expansion, electric bus services, public bicycle systems, and transit-oriented development have together given a new direction to urban mobility in India. Our goal, he said, is to build a transportation system that is inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and responsive to the needs of every section of society.
Haryana Demonstrates Outstanding Progress in Urban Mobility
Speaking on this occasion, Haryana ACS Dr. Raja Shekhar Vundru stated that the state is setting an exemplary benchmark in the field of urban mobility, serving as a model for other states to follow. Highlighting the importance of the conference, Dr. Vundru said that it provides a powerful platform for collaboration among the government, industry, academia, and citizens. It is a space where we can come together to share new ideas, innovations, and creative solutions.. He added that such efforts go beyond mere infrastructure development—they drive results-oriented growth, enhanced connectivity, and the transformation we envision, where cities become affordable, accessible, and livable. The cities we shape today will define the India of tomorrow.
Union Minister Leads Mass Singing of Vande Mataram on Its 150th Anniversary
To mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal led the gathering in a collective rendition of the song. He stated that Vande Mataram is not merely a song, but the soul of India’s freedom movement. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the song became a mantra that ignited enthusiasm, self-confidence, and self-respect in the hearts of Indians during the struggle for independence. Shri Manohar Lal added that the song united the nation and continues to inspire a spirit of dedication, sacrifice, and service to the motherland even today.
During the event, the Union Minister also released three significant publications- Guidelines for Issuing Municipal Green Bonds in India, Edition 5 of The Green Urban Mobility Partnership Newsletter and Guidance Document on Building Resilient E-Bus Ecosystems.
The event was graced by Shri Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs; Dr. Chandra Shekhar Khare, Managing Director, Gurugram Metro Rail Limited; along with several senior officials, mayors, and representatives from urban local bodies across the country.
