Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Mar 20: Bicycle track plan, that was intended to be constructed as part of Smart City project, is almost shelved now.
The irectorate of Urban Land transport had formed a bicycle track plan looking into the plight of students going to school and other citizens who use bicycles in the midst of heavy traffic. However, now the plan is on the verge of getting dropped as convenient place is not available.
Representational image
According to the plan, under the bicycle track area, land belonging to railways is also there and the railways did not permit to build bicycle track. So it is not possible to construct the track now. But attempts are still on and the process will continue if space is available. This information was shared by Smart City officials.
Smart City authority has begun leg work related to bicycle track construction. Red colour asphalting was done for several meters at Onikere of Morgansgate area. The Smart City project included ‘figmented bicycle track’ in the language used by international cyclists, which uses red and yellow colour for the tracks. Instead of main roads, the tracks will be built on inner roads, which was very unique.
The map for the bicycle track was also made ready. It started from Bolar boat repair yard to Cascia school, Manipal school, railway station, town hall, central market, Car street flower market, BEM school, Canara school, Sharada Vidyalaya, Canara College, SDM College, TMA Pai convention centre M G Road up to Sridevi College and Marnamikatte railway overbridge, St Joseph’s college, Roshini Nilaya, Highland Coffee works up to income tax office. A total distance of 12 km.
There are many clubs of bicycle riders. Many cyclists ride bicycles on early mornings or late evenings as part of the daily exercise routine. The intention of drawing more students towards use of bicycles was also one of the reasons for constructing bicycle tracks. Now the cancellation of the project has dampened the spirits of cyclists of the city.