The Elets Urban Innovation Summit was successfully held at Taj Chandigarh on 13th March 2026, bringing together 150+ delegates and over 30 speakers, including policymakers, urban planners, technology leaders, and governance experts, to deliberate on the future of urban development, digital governance, and sustainable infrastructure.
Hosted jointly by Municipal Corporation Chandigarh and Elets Technomedia, the summit served as a platform for discussions on building smarter, resilient, and citizen-centric cities aligned with India’s long-term development vision.
The summit commenced with a Nukkad Natak performance by the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh, highlighting civic awareness and citizen participation in urban governance. The event formally began with the arrival of the Chief Guest, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, followed by the National Song and ceremonial lamp lighting.
Inaugural Session: Innovating Urban Governance, Building Responsive and Resilient Cities
Delivering the Welcome Address, Shri Amit Kumar, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, highlighted the critical role cities play in driving India’s economic growth and innovation ecosystem.
He noted, “Cities today are engines of economic growth, hubs of innovation, and centres of opportunity. India’s urban population is expected to reach nearly 600 million by 2030, contributing close to 70 per cent of the country’s GDP.”
He also shared that the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh is actively integrating digital technologies in civic administration and has already implemented the first phase of smart parking systems, with the second phase expected to roll out soon.
Delivering the Special Address, Shri Saurabh Joshi, Mayor, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, emphasised the importance of sustainable and inclusive urban planning.
He said, “As India moves forward on the path of becoming a developed nation, it is essential that our cities become smarter, greener, and more inclusive. Cities of the future must be citizen-centric, environmentally responsible, and technologically empowered.”
The Keynote Address was delivered by Shri Gokul Butail, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister for Innovation, Digital Technologies and Governance, Government of Himachal Pradesh. He highlighted how technology and data-driven governance are reshaping urban administration.
He stated, “Innovation today is not optional; it is essential for the survival of our cities and citizens.”
He also spoke about the Him Seva Portal, through which more than 550 citizen-centric services are being delivered using AI in Himachal Pradesh, and stressed the importance of structured and accessible data for effective policymaking.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, spoke about the importance of balanced and planned urban development.
He observed, “Cities should be built keeping in mind the needs of residents rather than focusing only on tourists. Proper planning and infrastructure development are essential for sustainable urban growth.”
The inaugural session concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Shri Himanshu Gupta, Joint Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh.
Policy Dialogue and Expert Sessions on Urban Innovation
The summit featured a Fireside Chat on Building Smart, Resilient and Inclusive Cities, where Smt Amneet P Kumar, Principal Secretary, Department of Future, Civil Aviation and Foreign Cooperation, Government of Haryana, shared insights on policy innovation and emerging technologies shaping the cities of tomorrow.
An Industry Presentation by Lokesh Gautam, Systems Engineer at Fortinet, highlighted India’s rapid digital transformation. He noted that internet users in India have grown from 24 crore in 2014 to nearly 100 crore expected by 2026, with rural India playing a significant role in this digital expansion.
Technology, Education, and Industry Perspectives on Urban Transformation
A panel discussion on “Role of Technologies, Surveillance and Cyber Security in Transforming Future Cities” brought together experts from government and technology sectors to discuss the growing importance of secure digital infrastructure, surveillance frameworks, and data-driven governance in urban ecosystems.
Another session on Transforming Cityscapes by Leveraging Education featured a special address by Shri S Narayanan, Director General and Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of Haryana, who highlighted the role of education institutions and innovation ecosystems in shaping the cities of the future.
An Industry Address was delivered by Gaurav Dhir, representing Dhir Constructions and Riseonic, where he shared insights on sustainable construction practices and the role of private sector collaboration in urban development.
Also Read: Chandigarh to Host the 6th Elets Urban Innovation Summit on March 13, 2026
Sustainable Urban Services and Governance
The summit also hosted a panel discussion on “Reshaping Urban Landscapes – Innovations in Water, Waste Management and Sanitation for a Cleaner Future.” Experts deliberated on sustainable approaches to water management, waste processing, sanitation systems, and environmental sustainability to build cleaner and healthier cities.
A presentation on “Strengthening Food Safety in Urban Governance Frameworks” was delivered by Pratibha Pareek, Additional Commissioner, Jaipur Development Authority. She highlighted how digital governance and KYC-enabled services are transforming public service delivery, noting that the shift to e-services has significantly reduced the need for citizens to visit government offices physically.
A Special Address by Sahil Khan, Manager at the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), emphasised that food systems are an essential yet often overlooked component of urban planning. He highlighted that a truly smart city must also be food-smart, ensuring safe, nutritious, and sustainable food systems for urban populations.
The summit also hosted a panel discussion on “Cities 2040: Powering Today & Tomorrow Through Future-Ready Urban Infrastructure.” Policymakers and industry leaders discussed long-term strategies for developing resilient urban infrastructure, integrating technology into urban planning, and strengthening collaboration between government and industry.
A Collaborative Platform for Urban Innovation
The Urban Innovation Summit brought together senior officials, technology experts, policymakers, and urban development leaders from multiple states to exchange ideas and share best practices in urban governance.
Through insightful discussions and collaborative dialogue, the summit reinforced the importance of innovation, technology, sustainability, and citizen-centric governance in shaping the next generation of Indian cities.
The event concluded with strong optimism and a shared commitment among stakeholders to build smarter, more resilient, and inclusive urban ecosystems for the future.
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