Bhubaneswar: People should be willing to pay for parking and other urban services if the government ensures better roads and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, said Bankim Kalra, CEO of the Centre for Green Mobility, at the Earth Again Conference 2026 in Bhubaneswar.

Speaking at a session on ‘Urban Space and Climate (Green Cities)’, Kalra said he does not own a car because he does not enjoy driving. Instead, he relies on public buses, bicycles and walking for mobility.

“I don't have a car because I don't like driving. I travel by passenger buses, cycle and walk. I always fight for one thing — free parking. Take money, but give us a good road. We don't need uneven roads,” Kalra said.

The session was held at the MKCG Auditorium of Utkal University and organised as part of the third edition of the Earth Again Conference by Sambad and Ama Odisha on Sunday. It was moderated by Preeti Prada Panigrahi, Director, Reimagine Ideas Foundation.

Focus on public transport and child-friendly cities

Kalra said the objective behind the Mo Bus initiative was to introduce a new business perspective to urban public transport.

He said the project was designed with priorities that went beyond simply changing fuel, technology or other components associated with conventional smart-city projects.

Another key focus, he said, was creating a child-friendly city.

“If a city is suitable for a child, it will also be convenient for people of all age groups,” Kalra said, stressing the importance of designing urban spaces around the needs of pedestrians and communities rather than only vehicles.

Citizens need to demand better urban infrastructure

Kalra also emphasised the need for behavioural change and greater citizen participation to transform cities.

He said people need to demand better infrastructure and hold authorities accountable for the condition of roads and public spaces.

Citing an example from Bengaluru, Kalra referred to a person named Koel who posts Instagram videos highlighting the poor condition and walkability challenges of roads in the city. He said that after such videos go viral, local authorities sometimes take steps to address the problems highlighted.

“Such behavioural changes are needed for the development of cities, and we need to put our demands before the government,” Kalra said.

He stressed that creating greener and more liveable cities would require not only government intervention but also active participation from citizens in shaping how urban spaces are planned and used.