National Mobility Summit 2026 Highlights Urban Mobility Challenges in Hyderabad
The second National Mobility Summit 2026, held in Hyderabad on Tuesday, placed India's pressing urban mobility issues at the forefront of national discourse. Policymakers, government officials, transport authorities, and private sector stakeholders convened to address critical challenges ranging from last-mile connectivity to the transition toward clean energy. The summit emphasized the urgent need for integrated, affordable, and technology-driven transport systems to tackle congestion, improve accessibility, and accelerate sustainable mobility across the country.
Last-Mile Connectivity Takes Center Stage
During a panel discussion focused on last-mile connectivity, K Ilambarthi, Telangana's transport commissioner, articulated a broader vision for mobility. "Mobility today is no longer just about moving vehicles and people. It is about enabling economic growth, ensuring public safety, improving quality of life, and building sustainable cities for future generations," he stated. Ilambarthi underscored the critical importance of reliable feeder systems, noting, "Bridging last-mile connectivity is essential to improving public transport usage. Without effective feeder networks, even the most advanced metro or bus systems cannot realize their full potential."
Mansi Tayal from Uber India highlighted the transformative role of shared mobility and platform-based services in enhancing last-mile access, particularly in densely populated urban environments. Jeevan Babu, managing director of the Hyderabad Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority, reinforced the necessity of integrated planning. "Cities must move toward unified transport systems where metro, buses, and intermediate transport operate as a single, cohesive network," he asserted.
Digital Platforms and Innovation Drive Accessibility
Another key panel explored the impact of digital platforms on mobility accessibility. Vivek Krishna, vice president of finance at Rapido, emphasized their critical function. "Digital platforms are playing a pivotal role in improving last-mile connectivity, enabling real-time access to transport services, and making mobility more affordable and accessible for users," he explained. Krishna added that Hyderabad has not only embraced innovation but has actively fostered it, becoming Rapido's largest and most successful market in India. This achievement, he noted, is driven by progressive policymaking, administrative openness, and a collective commitment to addressing urban mobility challenges.
Telangana's Push for Cleaner Mobility Solutions
Inaugurating the summit, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar spotlighted Telangana's proactive measures toward sustainable transport. He detailed the state's EV policy, which includes tax and registration exemptions until 2026, a move that has already spurred the sale of approximately 1.55 lakh electric vehicles. "The Telangana government introduced a progressive EV policy with tax and registration exemptions until 2026, which has already helped drive the sale of around 1.55 lakh EVs in the state," Prabhakar stated. To combat pollution and promote sustainable mobility, the government is expanding electric mobility in Hyderabad, including the introduction of electric buses and encouraging cleaner alternatives for auto-rickshaws.
The minister emphasized the state's focus on cleaner mobility solutions, such as electric buses and alternative fuel-based last-mile transport, to reduce pollution and enhance urban air quality. This initiative aligns with the summit's broader theme of integrating practical solutions to improve accessibility, reduce congestion, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable mobility practices across India's urban landscapes.
