BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to reduce traffic congestion and promote non-motorable transport, the Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) is set to roll out ‘public bicycle sharing’ project.
While the BSCL is expected to float tenders to invite bids from operators for the project within a month, a major hurdle facing the ambitious plan remains encroachment of pavement and cycle tracks.
The BSCL is contemplating to start the pilot phase of the project either on the road between Jaydev Vihar and Nandan Kanan or Kalinga Hospital Square and Nandan Kanan. The existing pavements or cycle tracks on these stretches are marred with illegal parking, construction debris or plantations. Besides, there are by-lanes intersecting the tracks at frequent intervals which can pose a serious hindrance to uninterrupted cycling.
A senior official of the BSCL said once the Smart Janpath project starts, uniform laning and pavement clearance would be the top priority.
The bicycles would be available at docking stations on main roads like the Janpath, Sachivalaya Marg and Bidyut Road. ‘’Interested citizens can deposit a copy of their identity proof, a nominal amount and pick up a bicycle of their choice for a ride,’’ he added.
However, it remains to be seen how the users of these cycles would deal with the frequent interruptions on the tracks due to encroachment. Sources said it is unlikely that users would take to cycling after their first experience if the tracks are not cleared soon.
A Senior Inspector with the Commissionerate of Police said, ‘’If the encroachments are not cleared, the cyclists will use the main roads to commute. This would be dangerous for them considering the traffic hazards apart from the existing congestion.’’
Sources said the BSCL has already organised a meeting-cum-workshop for the prospective bidders. The authorities claim that the proposed roads would be made encroachment-free and new tracks laid wherever required. However, it remains to be seen how BSCL executes the project considering the fact that arterial roads in the Capital City are clogged and face rampant encroachment.