Crores spent on road widening under Smart City Project, but not a single cycle track made in Shimla
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The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: Many people enjoy using bicycles for both physical fitness and leisure. However, the Shimla administration’s indifference towards creating bicycle tracks has left enthusiasts without proper infrastructure.
Despite significant expenditures on widening roads in Shimla, known as the Queen of Hills, under the Smart City Project, these expanded roadways have often been repurposed as parking lots, with no provision made for cycle lanes. Although a plan was devised four years ago to implement bicycle tracks in Shimla, bureaucratic hurdles have stalled its progress.
Numerous roads within Shimla fall under sealed or restricted categories where vehicular traffic is prohibited. Unfortunately, this restriction extends to bicycles, highlighting the urgent need for dedicated cycle lanes within the city.
Proposal for 3 cycle tracks comes to naught
Despite a proposed plan drafted by the administration four years ago to construct three cycle tracks — spanning from Sanjauli-IGMC, Chhota Shimla to Shilli Chowk and Summerhill to CTO — progress remains stagnant. These tracks, earmarked under the Smart City Project, were intended to be funded by the purchase of bicycles, yet the administration has suspended the initiative despite substantial investments in road infrastructure.
The absence of cycle tracks exacerbates traffic congestion and pollution in Shimla, where bicycles could serve as a sustainable alternative to motor vehicles. Moreover, cycling promotes physical activity and enhances overall health. With vehicular movement restricted on certain roads, establishing cycle tracks on these routes could facilitate bicycle commuting for residents.
Shimla’s only cycling track closed too
It is worth noting that years ago, bicycles operated between Sanjauli and Lakkar Bazaar, initially charging a fare of Rs 5, which later increased to Rs 20. Many youths relied on these bicycles for transportation. However, contemporary regulations prohibit bicycles on this route, prompting renewed calls, especially from the youth, for the construction of dedicated cycle tracks.
Shimla resident Chirag says that earlier in the city, bicycles used to run from Sanjauli to IGMC, but now there are so many vehicles on this road that it is not possible to ride bicycles. In such a situation, it is necessary to have a dedicated track so that the youth can fulfill their desire of riding bicycles.
Cycling facility is necessary for youth
Desraj says that the facility of cycling is necessary for the people, especially the youth. Today in Shimla too, people are using cars on a large scale, which is not only causing health problems but also causing traffic jams. In such a situation, cycles can be promoted by making a special track in Shimla.
Bhupender says that cycling is important for health and if its use increases in Shimla, it will also reduce pollution. He says that earlier bicycles used to run in Shimla, but now due to the abundance of vehicles, bicycles cannot run on the road, hence the government should make separate tracks for them.
Akshat Sarin says that Shimla has got the status of smart city and being a smart city, there should be a cycle track here. He says that if tracks are built in Shimla, more and more people will use bicycles, which will maintain people’s health and pollution will be under control due to less vehicles on the roads.
Important to encourage cycling to stop pollution
Manoj Dhanta says that the geographical conditions of Shimla are such that here bicycles can be a good alternative to vehicles. Considering the way pollution is increasing due to the use of vehicles, it has become necessary to use bicycles as much as possible. In such a situation, it is necessary that a track be built for cycles and people should be encouraged to cycle.
