Aligning sustainable urban mobility with the rich cultural fabric of the Temple City, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) officially flagged off a special cycling trail this morning at 6:30 AM from the Mayfair Sanctuary and Convention.
Organised under the banner of Ekamra Walks, the special trail coincided with the prestigious Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Expo 2026, offering conference delegates an immersive look into Bhubaneswar’s natural assets and modern urban identity.
Dr Krushna Chandra Mohapatra, Hon’ble Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Government of Odisha, graced the inauguration as the Chief Guest and flagged off the cycling expedition. The high-profile event saw enthusiastic participation from key dignitaries, including Smt. Sulochana Das, Mayor of Bhubaneswar; Smt. Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department; Shri Amitabh Thakur, Transport Commissioner, Odisha; Md. Sadique Alam, Managing Director, CRUT; Shri Arindam Dakua, Director of Municipal Administration; Shri Chanchal Rana, Vice-Chairman, BDA; and Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Bhadoria, Director (UT), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Pedalling Through the Green Heart of the Capital
Following the flag-off, dignitaries and delegates embarked on a scenic cycling journey from the Mayfair Sanctuary and Convention to the lush expanse of Ekamra Kanan and back. The ride provided participants with a refreshing perspective of the city at a relaxed pace, seamlessly bridging active transportation with Bhubaneswar’s expansive green spaces.
The initiative served as a practical demonstration of the core themes of the UMI Conference, emphasising how active mobility like cycling transcends basic transportation to become a tool for connecting people with public spaces, nature, and the everyday rhythm of urban life.
Curated Experiences Beyond the Conference Room
In addition to the morning cycling trail, Ekamra Walks has rolled out an exclusive suite of guided experiences tailored for UMI delegates. These include:
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Walk in the Wilderness at Deras: An immersive nature trail highlighting the city’s surrounding ecology.
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Heritage Trails: Guided explorations through ancient Kalingan temple architecture.
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Bhubaneswar by Night: A nocturnal journey capturing the city’s transformation from a historic temple town into a vibrant, modern metropolis.
Through these curated offerings, Ekamra Walks continues to bridge Bhubaneswar’s historic past with its sustainable future, offering residents and visitors alike a holistic view of Odisha’s capital.
