The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has submitted Phase I of its Delhi Cycle Walk project plan to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) and Ridge Management Board (RMB) for approval. The project will see the development of 15 kilometers of cycling tracks along the greens of the city and elevated bridges for smooth movement. The aim is to promote pollution-free and green commuting, with the project not connected to roads.
The project will cover a total of 200 kilometers across five phases, with the focus on Phase I, which is divided into three legs covering Tuglakabad, GK II, Govindpuri, Malviya Nagar, Saket District Court, Chirag Dilli, Masjid Moth, Lado Saria, Vasant Kunj Mall, GK I, Sant Nagar, Nehru Place, Asiad Village, and the Siri Fort area. The route will also connect to some Metro stations.
DDA’s Vice Chairman Subhasish Panda said that they would focus on Leg A, which is 15.5 kilometers long. It will cost Rs 50 crore and will have a detailed report submitted to the CEC. The project will include 2.5-meter-wide cycle tracks and two-meter-wide pedestrian tracks, origin and destination plazas, intermediate stations, land bridges, and other ancillary development work.
Officials stated that 80% of the cost of the project would be borne by the urban development fund of MoHUA, and the remaining by DDA. It includes a kuccha track that will be preferred as it passes mostly through the city’s green areas. The remaining four phases of the project will cover various areas in the city, including Vasant Kunj, Moti Bagh, South Campus, Dhaula Kuan, Talkatora Stadium, Rajendra Nagar, Rajendra Place, Pusa agriculture institute, Janak Puri, Dilli Haat, Mayapuri Metro, north Delhi, Nizamuddin, Batla House, Okhla, Jasola, Mohan Estate, Chattarpur, Maidan Garhi, Deoli, among others.
The DDA officials emphasized their commitment to complete the project within a reasonable time frame, despite delays in getting necessary approvals and sanctions. The project is expected to provide cycling enthusiasts with an opportunity to enjoy the greenery and promote eco-friendly commuting across the city.
