After Dwarka, DDA to extend cycle-sharing project across capital

Sources said the project — an initiative of the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) — will be implemented in four phases. The first phase will focus on Dwarka where 300 stations are slated to come up later this year.

Sources said the remaining three phases will see cycle stations on main arterial roads by the end of 2016, in West Delhi by the end of 2017 and in South Delhi by the end of 2018.

According to government data, although 35 per cent people in Delhi own bicycles, only six per cent use them due to lack of safety on roads.

“The idea is to provide a clean and green method of transportation. The upcoming project in Dwarka is the first-of-its-kind in the country. We want to set up more cycle stations to improve last mile connectivity, thereby ensuring that more and more people use this facility. We will conduct a survey after the Dwarka project comes up. Accordingly, we will be better prepared for our future projects,” a senior DDA official said.

Commenting on the budget requirements for each of the phases, an official said Phase II (arterial roads) will cost approximately Rs 70 crore, Phase III (West Delhi) approximately Rs 80 crore and Phase IV (South Delhi) will cost Rs 120 crore.

Reportedly, 400 stations each will come in phases II and III, while 500 stations are expected to come up in Phase IV.

For the project in Dwarka, DDA has signed an MoU with Centre for Green Mobility.

“The project will cover 65 kms. It will be equipped with smart-card based interface and computerised docking facilities. There will be a one-time registration fee of Rs 300 -Rs 500 for users,” the official said.

To reduce the risk of cycles being stolen, the department plans to have the cycles specially designed so that no part can be sold or fitted in any other cycle.

“Not only will the system help in bringing down the costs of transportation spent per capita, it will also relieve congestion and improve air quality,” the official said.