Dedicated cycle tracks still a far cry in Amritsar
Charanjit Singh Teja
Amritsar, August 2
After announcing a dedicated cycle track network spanning 23.2 km across the holy city with an estimated cost of Rs 19.22 crore, under the Smart City project in 2017, office-bearers of Amritsar Smart City Ltd (ASCL) dropped the plan after constructing a pilot project of 2.5 km at Ranjit Avenue.
2.5-km stretch constructed
- The 23.2-km cycle track network with an estimated cost of Rs 19.22 crore was announced under the Smart City project in 2017
- Office-bearers of Amritsar Smart City Ltd have dropped the plan after constructing a pilot project of 2.5 km at Ranjit Avenue
- The construction of the first phase of the cycling track has been almost complete, but it is not functional yet. The epoxy paint marking has not been done so far
There is a need of dedicated cycling track alongside all major roads. If Smart City authorities are not taking any step in this direction, then MC or any other govt agency should construct cycling tracksRs Dr Gurpreet Singh, Cyclist
In November 2017, then MC Commissioner-cum-Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ASCL, had announced two kinds of tracks under the project with ample road width. With the objective to ensure equal distribution of space among commuters such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorists and providing a safe environment to cyclists, the Smart City authorities had planned to make a comprehensive and holistic citywide network of cycle corridors.
The construction of the first phase of the cycling track has been almost complete, but it is not functional yet. The epoxy paint marking has not been done so far.
Residents can be seen walking on the track in the morning and evening, but the project is yet to be inaugurated for cyclists.
During a visit to the cycling track at Ranjit Avenue, heaps of filth could be seen lying all around. Weeds were also grown alongside the cycling track.
Officials at the Project Implement Unit of the ASCL claimed that the announcement of 23.2-km cycle track was based on a survey of probable tracks on city roads. The cycling track of 2.5 km was planned and its construction was completed.
“As per the proposals, the cycling track was supposed to be set up on the circular road alongside the walled city, Ranjit Avenue, Maqbool road and the Mall road. I think there is a need of dedicated cycling track alongside all major roads. If the Smart City authorities are not taking any step in this direction, then MC or any other government agency should construct dedicated cycling tracks,” said Dr Gurpreet Singh, a cyclist.
