The Noida Authority has decided to revive its e-cycle project and appoint a fresh agency to operate the service. The initiative was first launched in 2022-2023 and awarded to Turban Mobility, which was tasked with running e-cycles from 62 docking stations across the city.
Previous Project Stalled
At the time of launch, the company began services from 31 stations and committed to expanding to all 62 within four months. However, that expansion never materialized, and the project came to a complete halt within a year. Since then, e-cycles have remained parked at docking stations, with the main gates locked.
New Plan Focuses on Demand
Now, the Authority plans to restart the initiative at 8-10 key locations where demand for e-cycles is higher. "Unlike the earlier initiative of placing cycles at different locations, we have now planned to set up e-cycle docking stations where there is need. Local people can also share their feedback and demands. Some private firms have also expressed interest in this project," said Noida ACEO Satish Pal.
The e-cycle initiative aims to promote eco-friendly mobility, reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, and offer affordable last-mile connectivity while supporting sustainable urban transport. On September 30, 2022, Noida Authority signed an agreement with Turban Mobility to operate e-cycles, and the service was launched in 2023 with plans to expand to all 62 stations within four months.
Contract Termination and Blacklisting
The company failed to meet several obligations under the agreement, including timely installation of docking stations and proper operation of the service. The Authority issued notices seeking explanations but did not receive a satisfactory response. The planned expansion did not materialize, and within a year, the project stalled completely.
The Authority set up a three-member committee to review the project and found discrepancies in the company's performance, flagging concerns regarding execution. Recently, the contract with the firm was terminated, and the company was blacklisted. Noida also launched an investigation after it was found that the company was displaying advertisements at docking stations without providing actual services. "All such unauthorized hoardings and advertisements will be removed," an official said.
Current Status of Docking Stations
For now, docking stations remain non-functional at key spots such as Film City in Sector 16A. Here, cycles were found locked inside with the main gate shut. The absence of security personnel and charging infrastructure points to operational gaps. Similar conditions have been observed at other locations, including the one at the Sector 16 metro station.
