National Urban Conclave 2026 inaugurated in Bhubaneswar, Odisha
The second edition of the National Urban Conclave was inaugurated by Tokhan Sahu, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The Conclave, being held on 24-25 October 2026, is organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and supported by State Government of Odisha. National Institute of Urban Affairs is the knowledge partner with Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited, National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited, as the principal sponsors.
Organised under the theme ‘Urban Rising – Rethinking Urban Systems, Solutions and Delivery’, it brings together over 1,200 participants at the venue including urban development Ministers, Mayors, and representatives from urban local bodies (ULB), urban development authorities, academia, industry, civil society, and the wider urban development ecosystem.
Lighting the ceremonial lamp during the inaugural session, Tokhan Sahu, the Union Minister of State, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, emphasised India’s ongoing urban transformation, wherein urban population had grown from approximately 377 million in 2011 to around 500 million, and is expected to reach 600 million by 2036.
Gracing the occasion, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha shared the state’s ambition to become a key growth engine in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. “Odisha is moving towards a new era of planned urbanisation, modern infrastructure and sustainable mobility, guided by the vision of Samruddha Odisha and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Anurag Jain, Chief Executive Officer, NITI Aayog, in his keynote address stated the importance of institutionalising dialogue and sustaining engagement with state governments to advance India’s urban development agenda.
Smt Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to host the National Urban Conclave and showcase Odisha’s initiatives and experiences in urban development.(UPDATED ON 24TH OCTOBER 2026)
