Bhubaneswar: Planning mobility beyond individual city boundaries is essential to building connected, accessible and sustainable urban regions. This was the key message of a special session on Comprehensive Regional Mobility Planning (CRMP), held on October 23 as part of the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition 2026 in Bhubaneswar.
Chaired by Ms. Usha Padhee, Odisha Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, the session was attended by Jignesh Mehta, Urban Planning and Design Lead, ARUP; Sandeep Fuller, CEO (Project Services), SYSTRA India; Shalabh Goel, Managing Director, National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC); Amitabh Thakur, Odisha Transport Commissioner; Mohindar Singh, former Dean, Land Transport Authority (LTA) Academy, Singapore; and Sanjay Kumar Biswal, Director, Odisha Information & Public Relations Department.
Participants emphasised that an effective regional mobility system must go beyond individual transport projects to ensure seamless connectivity between different modes of transport. Integrated public transport, dependable last-mile connectivity, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and non-motorised transport were identified as key elements of an accessible, efficient and inclusive urban transport network.The deliberations also underscored the importance of aligning transport investments with land-use planning to optimise infrastructure, reduce travel barriers and support balanced regional development. Better coordination between cities and their adjoining areas can help improve connectivity, facilitate economic activity and ensure that expanding urban regions remain accessible and liveable.
