BBMP puts off cycle lane work to build sewers, footpaths

Residents of HSR Layout will have to wait a little longer for the cycle tracks as the BBMP has prioritised the work of stormwater drains and footpaths over the cycle lanes

A joint initiative by the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) and the BBMP had proposed in May 2017 the cycle tracks would be completed in 9 months.

However, the frequent flooding in the area has forced the BBMP to take up the work of the SWD and footpaths over the work for cycle lanes.

The delay has irked cyclists who are now concerned about their safety while riding a bicycle on the busy HSR Layout roads. Abhinav Harikrishna, a techie, says: “A year has passed since they promised the tracks, but they have not even started the work. I cycle to work every day, but it is dangerous to do so between cars and huge vehicles.”

However, some cyclists feel the delay may not be deliberate. For instance, Shashidhar K, co-founder of HSR Layout cyclist club, said the BBMP has constantly been working on one project or another, so it is just a matter of time before they work on the cycle tracks. “We have been in touch with the BBMP, and are ready to offer any assistance to them in building the track,” he added.

Praveen Lingaiah, executive engineer, BBMP, says there are more grave issues in the area. “The cycle lanes were put off because we are working on stormwater drains and footpaths. Once we complete this, we will begin the work on the cycle tracks. The delay is mainly due to the flooding issues that happened the last monsoon,” he said. He said work would begin in a month and would get over in four months.

DULT, which initiated the idea, wants to create better infrastructure for cyclists. Sonal Kulkarni, transport planner, DULT, says: “We want to give citizens an opportunity to strive towards reducing the pollution in the city. We have undertaken similar projects in other places Hubballi-Dharwad.” The cycle track will be built for 27.5 km at a cost of Rs 18.5 crores.