Kolkata Mayor Dismisses Proposal for Separate Cycle Lanes Citing Space Constraints
In a significant development for urban planning in Kolkata, Mayor Firhad Hakim has firmly ruled out the introduction of separate cycle or bike lanes on the city's roads. The decision was announced on Thursday during a session at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) House, where Hakim emphasized that the existing road infrastructure lacks the necessary space to accommodate dedicated lanes for cyclists.
Proposal Brought by TMC Councillor Meenakshi Ganguly
The proposal for separate cycle lanes was formally presented by Meenakshi Ganguly, a councillor from the Trinamool Congress. Despite the growing demand for sustainable transportation options, Hakim pointed to a survey conducted by an independent agency. This survey concluded that such initiatives are only viable in planned townships like New Town or Rajarhat, where roads are designed to be wider and more accommodating.
Longstanding Demands from Green Activists
Green activists in Kolkata have been advocating for separate cycle lanes for many years, pushing for eco-friendly alternatives to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Their movement gained notable momentum over a decade ago when Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan was filmed riding a bicycle on AJC Bose Road near the Nonapukur tram depot and Bidhan Sarani near the Shyambazar five-point crossing during the shooting of the movie 'Piku'.
However, these demands have consistently been rejected by authorities. Currently, the only place in the Kolkata metropolitan area where separate bicycle lanes exist is in New Town, highlighting the disparity between planned and older urban areas.
Challenges and Future Implications
The rejection underscores the broader challenges faced by Kolkata in modernizing its transportation infrastructure. With limited road space and increasing vehicular traffic, implementing dedicated lanes for cycles remains a complex issue. This decision may impact future urban development projects and the city's efforts to promote greener mobility solutions.
As Kolkata continues to grow, balancing the needs of various road users while maintaining safety and efficiency will be crucial. The focus may now shift towards enhancing existing infrastructure in planned townships and exploring alternative measures to support cycling in the city.
