New Delhi among 25 smart cities with cycle-friendly infrastructure

The New Delhi area, which is under the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)’s jurisdiction, is among the top 25 smart cities in the country that have cycle-friendly infrastructure, according to a report released by the union housing and urban affairs (HUA) ministry

The New Delhi area, which is under the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)’s jurisdiction, is among the top 25 smart cities in the country that have cycle-friendly infrastructure, according to a report released by the union housing and urban affairs (HUA) ministry.

While 11 cities, including Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Rajkot, etc. were adjudged top cities for their initiatives, New Delhi finds mention in the list of 10 ‘cycling pioneers’ cities. (Arvind Yadav/HT PHOTO)

Last year, the HUA ministry launched the Cycle4Change challenge, an initiative to promote sustainable alternatives to private motor vehicles. On Wednesday, the ministry announced the first stage results in which 11 cities were awarded India’s cycling pioneers and 14 others cities, including New Delhi, were recognised for their initiatives. These 25 were selected out of 107 cities that had participated in the event.

While 11 cities, including Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Rajkot, etc. were adjudged top cities for their initiatives, New Delhi finds mention in the list of 10 “cycling pioneers” cities.

While announcing the list of awardees on Wednesday, Durga Shanker Mishra, secretary HUA ministry, said, “2020 ignited India’s cycling revolution. Cities and citizens joined hands for the first time, to test, learn, and scale up ideas to become cycling havens. The results have been resounding: more people are cyclin,g; city officials and public representatives are leading by example—cycling to work—and we are backing the city’s efforts with investments.”

In New Delhi, the NDMC roped in the artist community in creating a vibrant cycling plaza. As part of the challenge, the NDMC conducted a week-long pilot to demonstrate and test a 6km-long corridor from India Gate to Lodhi Colony. The civic body roped in artists to paint the streets in a neighbourhood, Lodhi Colony, to create a vibrant cycling plaza.

Last year, while the coronavirus disease brought cities to a halt, there was a surge in the number of people cycling in cities when the lockdown restrictions were relaxed. Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) is the knowledge partner with the ministry in its Cycle4Change challenge.

In the next phase of the challenge, these 25 cities will take the idea of a cycling-friendly city by adopting policies, setting up dedicated departments and creating city-wide plans.

“Create streets for cycling and cyclists will come. We saw clear signs of this in cities across India in the past year. But this is just the beginning. Cities must now scale up these interventions to make cycling safe and fun for everyone,” Shreya Gadepalli, South East Asia Programme Lead, ITDP.

“NDMC’s collaboration with local designers and artists to make Lodhi Estate attractive to cycle around was lauded by citizens. It must now scale up the Cycles4Change initiative to make every corner of New Delhi safe and fun for everyone to cycle, and become a model for every Indian city to emulate,” she added.