New Delhi, June 3, 2025 — Urban Adda 2025 kicked off at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, today, bringing together policymakers, artists, experts, and youth voices under one roof. Hosted by the Raahgiri Foundation in collaboration with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and GuruJal, with support from Nagarro, the three-day event is a celebration of sustainable, inclusive cities—and the ideas that can get us there.

Cycling: The Solution to Pollution?

Inaugurating the event on World Bicycle Day, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, underscored the importance of cycling for health, equity, and the environment. He shared his own experience as the “cycle-wala MP” and called for mainstreaming cycling as an integral part of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

“Cycling is the best form of exercise—and when I first became an MP, I cycled to Parliament every day. People called me the ‘cycle-wala MP’,” he recalled, encouraging everyone to adopt cycling as a daily habit. He also launched two books by Dr. Bhairavi Joshi: Cycling, Children & Cities and Road to Cycle2School, both advocating safe, active mobility for children and youth.

Dr. Mandaviya also launched two books by Dr. Bhairavi Joshi—Cycling, Children & Cities and Road to Cycle2School—promoting safe, active mobility for young people.

Delhi EV Policy 2.0 on the Horizon

During the closing plenary, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Delhi’s Transport Minister, announced that Delhi EV Policy 2.0 will roll out next month.

“I can’t share all the details yet because the Cabinet is still reviewing it,” Dr. Singh said, “but I assure you we’re bringing in experts and their recommendations will be implemented.”

He pledged zero bus shortage by year-end and promised that Delhi’s bus services would prioritise quality, safety, and commuter satisfaction. The Devi Bus Service, already in operation, uses electric buses with GPS tracking and onboard cameras for safety. Plans are in place to expand this network and phase out older buses for a cleaner, safer ride.

Dr. Singh also announced legal reforms targeting all types of traffic violations, highlighting the importance of pedestrian safety, clean air, and data-driven governance.

At Youth Adda, Dr. Singh engaged with students who shared creative solutions on mobility equity and climate resilience, proving that youth are key to shaping tomorrow’s cities.

The Human-Centred City: Designing for People, Not Just Cars

Moderated by Ms. Nidhi Madan from the Raahgiri Foundation, the panel featured urban visionaries including Ms. Stuti Kakkar, Mr. Anuj Dayal, and Ms. Manmeet Nanda, IAS.
Mr. Sujit Bajpayee (CAQM) delivered a powerful message:

“Roads are the arteries of our cities—they can’t be blocked. We must design streets for people, not just cars.”
CAQM is now working with urban local bodies across NCR cities to build pedestrian-friendly, socially equitable streets.

Vision Zero: Towards Safer Streets

Jointly hosted with IIT Delhi’s TRIP Centre, this session highlighted innovations in road safety.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Mohan, IPS, DCP Traffic, Gurugram, shared a unique initiative to incentivise drivers who follow traffic rules.

“We’re identifying commuters who never violate traffic rules—and soon, we’ll felicitate them as ‘Traffic Warriors’.”

What’s Next at Urban Adda?

Over the next two days, Urban Adda will host more than 100 speakers across 30 sessions, covering topics including clean air, gender and mobility, and youth-led innovation. June 4 will feature Samadhan & Spark—Solutions, Creativity & Change—and will include the launch of the Urban Adda Film Festival (UAFF-25), showcasing short films on climate resilience and inclusive cities.

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