Bhubaneswar Prepares Fourth Attempt at Bicycle Tracks After Three Failed Efforts
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited are preparing to launch non-motorised transport tracks once again. This marks their fourth attempt since 2018. Previous efforts in 2018, 2019, and 2020 all ended without success.
Learning From Past Mistakes
Officials say they have learned important lessons from their earlier failures. Instead of focusing on major arteries and mass cycling infrastructure, they will now concentrate on specific clusters. These include mini-arteries and sub-arteries where uninterrupted cycling is actually feasible.
"We will develop tracks only at specific places and stretches where cycling is enjoyable without impediments," said BMC commissioner Chanchal Rana. "While invigorating non-motorised transport, we will also put a lot of emphasis on pedestrian movement."
The commissioner emphasized that making stretches walking-friendly remains a priority. He also stressed the importance of involving various institutions to ensure the cycling tracks become successful this time.
New Strategy and Partnerships
The BMC has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Centre for Green Mobility. This partnership will help create cycle docks on arteries and sub-arteries where non-motorised transport makes practical sense.
Officials explained that selected stretches will be free from vehicular movement, possibly for specific time periods. The partner agency will conduct surveys and engage with institutions to identify suitable locations.
"Sufficient groundwork will be done," a BSCL officer revealed. "This includes training and exposure visits for officials to places where cycling tracks have succeeded."
The officer added that road and track designs will undergo complete revamping. There will be active involvement from institutions and different categories of people. The goal is to make cycles accessible in the easiest way possible.
Careful Implementation Approach
The Centre for Green Mobility will assist BMC during pre-bid meetings. They will also manage, monitor, and supervise the work. Regular coordination will address every requirement under the project.
"We are not going to hurry with implementation," another BSCL officer stated. "It is a slow process for people to develop the habit of cycling."
Previous Challenges and Current Status
The city's cycling initiative has faced significant challenges in recent years:
- Ridership dropped from around 600 users in the pre-COVID period to less than 200 in 2022
- By 2023, only 1,650 cycles were declared in operable condition
- Another 350 cycles required maintenance
- Many cycles gathered rust and were abandoned away from docks
- Software and technical glitches discouraged users from hiring cycles
- Several cycles and parts were stolen or went missing
Officials acknowledge these past problems. They now approach the project with more realistic expectations and better planning. The focus has shifted from ambitious city-wide implementation to targeted, practical solutions.
This renewed effort represents Bhubaneswar's commitment to sustainable urban mobility. The city aims to create infrastructure that actually works for its residents while avoiding previous pitfalls.
