Delhi's 53km Yamuna Cycling Track Gets Green Nod, Set to Boost Eco-Tourism
In a significant development for urban infrastructure and environmental conservation, the Delhi Development Authority's ambitious plan to construct a 53-kilometer cycling track along the Yamuna floodplain has finally received clearance from the principal committee of the National Green Tribunal. This approval comes after necessary route modifications were made to address earlier concerns.
Officials confirmed that the committee had raised issues regarding the original alignment of the track. "The issues have been resolved and necessary changes made in the proposed plan," an official stated. The revised corridor will now run from the Wazirabad Yamuna Bridge to NH-24 and extend further up to the Kalindi Kunj Biodiversity Park, ensuring a more environmentally sensitive path.
Project Execution in Three Phases
The project is slated to be executed in three distinct phases, with the first phase focusing on a 24-kilometer stretch between the Old Railway Bridge and NH-24 on both riverbanks. "The plan for phase I has been reworked following expert observations to ensure both environmental sensitivity and functional usability throughout the year," an official explained. The revised route has been shifted away from vulnerable river edges and instead follows existing embankments and established pathways, minimizing ecological disruption.
Phase I is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete after the award of work, pending detailed surveys and coordination with relevant agencies. The track aims to offer a continuous recreational route along the riverfront, featuring:
- Permeable materials to reduce environmental impact
- Docking stations and parking areas for convenience
- Shaded rest points and viewing decks for leisure
- Wayfinding systems to enhance navigation
All these elements are designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape without disturbing the ecological character of the floodplain.
Part of a Larger Restoration Strategy
This cycling track is a key component of DDA's broader initiative to restore over 1,700 hectares of the Yamuna floodplain into biodiverse and publicly accessible spaces. Officials noted that DDA has already undertaken 13 projects in the floodplain area, with several completed, including:
- Asita
- Baansera
- Kalindi Biodiversity Park
- Yamuna Vatika
- Amrut Biodiversity Park
- Ghat development works
Other projects, such as Mayur Nature Park and an eco-tourism zone, are currently under development. "The cycle track will connect these restored sites," an official emphasized. These initiatives form part of a comprehensive strategy for the restoration and rejuvenation of the river's ecological landscape while enabling regulated public access and reconnecting citizens with the river.
Beyond Transportation: A Vision for Sustainability
Officials highlighted that the corridor is not merely a transport project but integral to a wider vision to strengthen the relationship between citizens and the river through sustainable access. "By promoting non-motorised transport, the cycle corridor is expected to improve public health, enhance recreational opportunities, and create a stronger river-people interface across key restored sites," they said.
In November, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta chaired a high-level review meeting on the project, where she was informed that most departments had already issued no-objection certificates, with railway-related approvals in the final stage. Additionally, the tendering process has been completed, and preparatory work for construction is currently in progress, signaling swift implementation ahead.
