16th UMI Conference Highlights in New Delhi

Integrated and Resilient Urban Transport

GIZ for the 5^th consecutive time supported the UMI as a knowledge partner at the 16th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference in New Delhi from 27 to 29 October 2023. The flagship event of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, and its Institute of Urban Transport (IUT) was attended by 1200 persons. This year five transport projects contributed to 9 sessions, showcasing the impact of the Indo-German Cooperation in a stall and organised a cycle ride.

Session Highlights

1. Inaugural Session: Launch of GUMP Newsletter
   • During the inaugural session, Mr. Puri, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, launched the third edition of the Indo-German Green Urban Mobility Partnership (GUMP) newsletter, providing updates on collaborations between BMZ, MoHUA, GIZ, and the German development bank KfW.
2. Panel Discussion: Strengthening Urban Transport Resilience
   • Mr. Armin Wagner, Senior Transport Advisor at GIZ, emphasized key steps for enhancing urban transport resilience, including risk identification, scenario analysis, and organizational structures.
3.  Multi-Modal Integration: Unleashing Public Transport Potential
   • Mr. Daniel Moser, Director, GIZ India Transport, highlighted the transformative impact of multi-modal integration on public transport, citing Berlin’s integrated main train station as a successful example. The discussion concluded that multi modal integration unleashes the full potential of public transport, making it an interconnected and passenger-oriented system.
4.  Electric Mobility Initiatives: Kochi Case Study
   • Mr. Shirish Mahendru, Technical Expert at GIZ India, presented the support for Kochi, showcasing the implementation of 100 electric rickshaws and organizational capacity development. The session’s key takeaway was that integrating multiple modes unlocks the complete capabilities of public transport, transforming it into a connected and passenger-centric system.
5. NDC-TIA India: Driving the Shift to Electric Mobility
   • Mr. Kuldeep Sharma, Component Leader for E-Mobility at NDC-TIA India, discussed India’s shift towards electric mobility, emphasizing the role of subnational governments, decarbonizing power generation, and inclusive strategies
6. “Together Ride” Family Cycle Event: Promoting Cycling for Cleaner and Healthier Cities:
   • GIZ, MoHUA, Dutch Cycling Embassy, BYCS, and Raahgiri Foundation collaborated to promote cycling for cleaner air and healthier citizens. Aligned with the Urban Mobility Conference 2023, the event coincided with “Raahgiri Day,” offering a car-free street experience to encourage sustainable urban living.

The vital role of metros and Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

During his address, the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs in India emphasised about the remarkable milestone in India’s metros with a daily ridership of one crore (10 million) passengers. He highlighted the vital role of metros in easing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable urban development. Presently, India’s metro systems span 895 km, encompassing around 20 cities. He mentioned that it is poised to evolve into the second-largest global metro network, with approximately 965 km currently in the construction phase. Upon completion, this expansion will elevate the number of cities with a metro system from 20 to 27. The successful implementation of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) was also acknowledged during his address. Such ridership milestone underscores the increasing reliance on efficient urban transit systems, aligning with the government’s vision for integrated and accessible public transportation.

Addressing the valedictory session, Secretary MoHUA stressed upon the need of Transit Orientation Development (TOD) and highlighted the need for innovative funding mechanisms and public- private partnerships to meet the growing demands of urban transportation infrastructure.  

Furthermore, at the UMI 2023 awards were given to the victorious state/city authorities in recognition of outstanding projects and best practices in Urban Transport.

In conclusion, the Urban Mobility India Conference 2023, supported by GIZ, achieved remarkable success, raising awareness for sustainable transport and showcasing the impactful outcomes of Indo-German cooperation. The event emphasized the need for resilient and integrated urban transport systems, promoting cleaner and healthier cities for all citizens.

• Sustainable Urban Mobility – Air Quality, Climate Action, Accessibility” (SUM-ACA) which is implemented jointly by MoHUA and GIZ and is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
• The project “Climate-friendly Freight Transport in India (Green Freight)” jointly implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) Government of India and GIZ, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, and Climate Action (BMWK).
• The project “Climate friendly electric mobility” jointly implemented by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MoHI) Government of India and GIZ, commissioned by BMZ.
• The project “Green Urban Mobility Innovation – Living Lab”, a collaboration between GIZ and Bosch Limited, funded through the develoPPP programme that GIZ implements on behalf of BMZ.
• India component of component of “NDC Transport Initiative for Asia” jointly implemented by NITI Aayog and GIZ, commissioned by BMWK under the International Climate Initiative (IKI).