Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Aims to Revive Cycling with Fresh Strategy
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding with the Centre for Green Mobility on Saturday. This partnership seeks to breathe new life into public bicycle sharing in the city. The earlier attempt at promoting non-motorised transport failed miserably just two years after its 2017 launch.
Learning from Past Mistakes with Detailed Planning
BMC officials stated they will conduct thorough groundwork this time. The plan includes training sessions and exposure visits for officials to cities where cycling initiatives succeeded. They will completely revamp road and track designs to prioritize non-motorised transport infrastructure.
The corporation will hire multiple specialized agencies for this project. Consultants will design streets with proper cycling infrastructure. A survey agency will evaluate traffic patterns. A branding design firm will create dedicated marketing materials. Another agency will oversee construction activities to ensure work follows approved plans.
Addressing Topographical Challenges and Accessibility
Officials acknowledged that Bhubaneswar's terrain presented significant obstacles. The city slopes from north to south with uneven ground. Cycling routes like KIIT Square to Jayadev Vihar involved extreme slopes and steep roads. These conditions made bicycle riding uncomfortable for casual users.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, unused bicycles from the failed program suffered further damage. The new initiative aims to make cycling accessible to different categories of people in the easiest way possible. Institutions and various community groups will participate in the planning process.
Comprehensive Support from Green Mobility Center
The Centre for Green Mobility will provide substantial assistance to BMC throughout the project. Their role includes participating in pre-bid meetings with contractors. They will manage, monitor, and supervise work progress. Regular coordination will address every requirement under the project framework.
This renewed effort represents a significant commitment to sustainable transportation in Bhubaneswar. By learning from past failures and addressing specific local challenges, officials hope to create a successful cycling ecosystem that serves residents effectively.
