Provide cycles on rent at BKC

Experts urge MMRDA, else watch the Rs 6 crore 13-km cycling track to be ready by 2011, turn into a flop project

Mumbai'su00a0transport experts believe that unless Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) makes provisions for business professionals to rent cycles, its ambitious Rs 6 crore cycling track that is to come up at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), will remain unused.

Speaking to Sunday MiD DAY, transport expert Beena Balkris said, "Constructing a cycling track won't help much if MMRDA really wants to promote cycling."

However, Joint Metropolitan Commissioner SVR Srinivas revealed that there are no plans to provide cycles on rent. "I'm sure that the dedicated cycling track will not only make cycling a safer mode of transport, but also encourage people in BKC to cycle."u00a0

MMRDA has begun construction work on the 13-km cycling track, which is expected to be ready by 2011. The cycling track will be constructed next to the footpath and the route will move along the internal roads of BKC. A separate parking lot will also be provided to cyclists.

Transport expert Sudhir Badami feels the project should be extended to the rest of Mumbai. "More than seven lakh people use cycles which is more than those using cars. MMRDA and BMC should plan similar tracks, which will not only decrease pollution level but also provide less traffic congestion."

MMRDA will spend Rs 150 crore, which includes money for the tracks, to improve BKC's internal roads.