Chandigarh, November 8 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Urban Development and Mobility Programme creates an integrated model for urban growth. Such an integrated model helps in building robust cities, which in turn contribute to building a stronger nation. Conferences like these are instrumental in implementing innovative methods for providing better urban facilities and play a crucial role in advancing the nation’s Vision 2047 of becoming a developed country. The Chief Minister was addressing representatives from various states at the 18th Urban Mobility India Conference held in Gurugram. He also visited the developmental exhibition showcasing urban development and mobility initiatives.
The Chief Minister, while welcoming representatives from across the country, said that it is a matter of pride and honour that Haryana has, for the first time, got the opportunity to host this national conference. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Sh. Manohar Lal for their able guidance and support in making this three-day event possible. He said that the Prime Minister firmly believes that India’s future no longer lies only in mega cities. In line with present demands, tier-2 and tier-3 cities are also developing rapidly. Hence, mobility options are being tailored to suit inclusive development in these cities.
He said that sustainable mobility and transit-oriented development are being prioritized in urban planning. The Central and State Governments are working expeditiously to make transit-oriented development the central pillar of city planning. The government is integrating transport systems in such a way that it will help control unplanned urbanization and ensure optimal use of resources.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that we stand today at a turning point in the 21st century where the pace and direction of urban development are determined by our mobility systems. Recognizing this reality, this year’s theme — the integration of urban development and mobility — has been chosen. He said India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Our cities are the engines of growth, but to ensure ease of living in them, mobility must be placed at the heart of every aspect of development.
He added that mobility is not just about moving from one place to another — it is the foundation of citizen empowerment, economic strength, and environmental protection.
The Chief Minister said that the Urban Mobility India platform serves as a powerful forum for discussing challenges and proposing solutions. The main objective of this conference, he said, is to familiarize cities with the best urban transport services. It provides a platform where key policymakers engage in dialogue with other representatives. The purpose of this dialogue is for participants to carry back ideas that can help them develop sustainable urban transport systems in their respective cities.
He added that to address the specific mobility needs of cities, plans are being implemented to introduce smart bus services to make transport systems more eco-friendly, efficient, reliable, transparent, and accountable. City buses, he said, form the backbone of economic growth — better connectivity promotes business expansion, increases employment opportunities, and accelerates economic activity.
The Chief Minister said that sustainable development is the only true path to progress. We believe that this planet belongs not only to us but also to future generations. Therefore, all our developmental efforts are aimed at using today’s resources in such a way that they remain available for the generations to come.
He said that Haryana has prioritized green and inclusive urban transport. The metro network in Haryana is being expanded to Gurugram, Faridabad, Bahadurgarh, and Sonipat to ensure smooth and timely movement between major cities. In addition, the RRTS and Namo Bharat Rail System have been given key importance in Haryana’s development vision. This high-speed rail network will directly connect Delhi, Gurugram, Karnal, and Jewar International Airport, thereby creating a new economic corridor within the National Capital Region and offering people a safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient travel option.
He further stated that along with major infrastructure projects, the government is also focusing on last-mile connectivity. Electric and CNG buses, e-rickshaws, and cycle tracks are being promoted in urban areas. Apart from Gurugram, modern city bus services have been launched in 12 major cities — Faridabad, Panchkula, Rohtak, Karnal, Hisar, Panipat, Yamunanagar, Sonipat, Bhiwani, Rewari, Kurukshetra, and Ambala. Under the state’s electric vehicle policy, charging stations are being rapidly expanded across Haryana.
During the event, the Chief Minister also released three important booklets — Mobility Zone, Remarkable Young Voices in Transport, and Reimagining Urban Mobility for a Sustainable, Smart, and Inclusive Future.
On this occasion, MLAs Mukesh Sharma (Gurugram) and Bimla Chaudhary (Pataudi), Director General of the National Centre for Good Governance Dr. Surender Kumar Bagde, Principal Advisor of the Urban Development Department, Haryana, Sh. D.S. Dhesi, OSD in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Sh. Jaydeep, Additional Chief Secretary of the Town and Country Planning Department, Haryana, Sh. A.K. Singh, Managing Director of Gurugram Metro Rail Limited Dr. Chander Shekhar Khare, Managing Director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Sh. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director of National Capital Region Transport Corporation Sh. Shalabh Goyal, Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar, Commissioner of Police Vikas Arora, Gurugram Municipal Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya, Manesar Municipal Commissioner Ayush Sinha, HSVP Administrator Vaishali Singh, and BJP Gurugram Metropolitan District President Ajit Yadav along with other dignitaries were present.