The Urban Mobility of India (UMI), under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, has recently recognized outstanding projects in urban transport with a series of awards. These accolades highlight innovative practices and advancements in urban mobility across various cities.
Kochi and Bhubaneswar Lead the Way
Kochi, known as the commercial hub of Kerala, received the award for the Most Sustainable Transport System. The Kochi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. was recognized for its efforts in promoting sustainable urban mobility solutions. Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar was awarded the title of City with the Best Public Transport System, with its Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) leading the charge in enhancing public transport facilities.
Notable Achievements by Other Cities
Several other cities were also honored for their unique contributions to urban transport. Srinagar was recognized for having the Best Non-Motorised Transport System, promoting environmentally friendly transportation options. Gandhinagar, Gujarat, earned the award for the Best Safety and Security System & Record, highlighting its commitment to ensuring the safety of its transport users. Surat, also in Gujarat, won the award for the Best Intelligent Transport System, showcasing its innovative use of technology in transport management. Jammu received the award for the Most Innovative Financing Mechanism, reflecting its creative funding approaches for urban transport initiatives.
Bengaluru and Mumbai Shine
Bengaluru stood out by securing two awards: City with the Best Record of Public Involvement in Transport and Metro Rail with the Best Multimodal Integration. This recognition underscores the city’s efforts to engage citizens in transport planning and improve connectivity across different transport modes. Additionally, Mumbai was awarded the Metro Rail with the Best Passenger Services and Satisfaction, reflecting the city’s commitment to enhancing the commuter experience.
Future of Urban Mobility in India
These awards were announced at the 17th Urban Mobility India Conference and Exhibition held in Gandhinagar, where Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal addressed the attendees. He highlighted India’s progress in urban transport, stating that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has achieved the third position globally in operational rail networks.
Minister Lal emphasized the Prime Minister’s vision of One Nation One Card, now known as the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), which aims to streamline urban mobility across the country. He noted that most metros in India have adopted this card, which is expected to revolutionize the urban mobility sector. The minister also announced that Gurugram will host the 18th Urban Mobility India Conference, continuing the momentum of discussions around innovative urban transport solutions.
