In a fresh push to promote cycling and healthy living, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is charting plans to develop two dedicated cycle tracks in the port city. This initiative gains momentum following a recent social media endorsement by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who indicated that cycling tracks would be introduced soon.
Details of the Proposed Cycling Corridors
The civic body's new proposal focuses on creating two significant stretches for cyclists. The first is a five-kilometre off-road track encircling the scenic Mudasarlova park. The second will run along the popular beach road, connecting Sagar Nagar to the Radisson Hotel junction. GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg has directed engineering officials to prepare detailed proposals, emphasizing that the tracks should serve both recreation and public health. He specifically instructed that the Mudasarlova track be developed in an attractive and aesthetically pleasing manner.
A History of Attempts and Revivals
This is not the first time Visakhapatnam has attempted to build a robust cycling network. The city's current largest track is a two-kilometre path at the health arena near Kailasagiri, developed by the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA).
In 2020, the GVMC had floated a request for proposals for a massive 27-kilometre cycling and pedestrian corridor from VMRDA Park to Bheemili, but the project stalled. Another pilot under the Smart City project involved 100 battery-operated bicycles for the beachfront, which was discontinued after several months. Similarly, the ambitious Smart Streets project from about six years ago, which aimed to redevelop 50 roads with dedicated cycle tracks, saw minimal progress.
Why This Time Could Be Different
The renewed focus, backed by the Chief Minister's directive, has put the project back on the priority list. The chosen locations address existing demand; the road from Sagar Nagar to Bheemili is already popular with tourists and residents for cycling due to its relatively low congestion and calming sea breeze. The plan now is to move beyond isolated tracks and build a comprehensive cycling ecosystem with proper trails.
Commissioner Garg's clear instructions to prepare plans for tracks in various parts of the city signal a broader vision. If successfully implemented, these tracks will provide safe, dedicated spaces for fitness enthusiasts and tourists alike, enhancing Visakhapatnam's reputation as a livable, health-conscious city.
