Cycle track was to be built where dentis died a month ago, say traffic police

Sources in the UT traffic police said that the recommendations were sent to the UT engineering wing for constructing a cycle track in at least two meetings of road safety committee recently.

A view of Jan Marg where the accident had happened. (File Photo)

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There were recommendations to construct a dedicated cycle track on Jan Marg on Sector 17 side from the Matka Chowk (Sector 17/16/9/10) roundabout to the cricket stadium roundabout at Sector 16, where a cyclist later identified as dentist, Dr Lakhwinder Singh of Mohali, was hit from behind by a speeding autorickshaw last month.

Lakhwinder along with another cyclist, Satyajeet Kundra, was hit by a speeding autorickshaw when the two were returning to their homes from Sukhna Lake near Sector 16/17 light point at around 5.30 am on September 11. The autorickshaw was overcrowded as eight passengers were riding in it. Lakhwinder succumbed to his injuries on October 1 after being undergoing treatment in a hospital for 19 days.

Sources in the UT traffic police said that the recommendations were sent to the UT engineering wing for constructing a cycle track in at least two meetings of road safety committee recently.

“We had made the recommendations for the cycle track after conducting a field visit. Later, we were told that there was space shortage and that is why the track could not be built,” a traffic police officer said, adding that the police would again take up this issue with the engineering wing.

According to the official record, at least 10 cyclists have been killed in road crashes in the last eight months in Chandigarh. As many as 51 casualties were reported in road accidents in the UT. Besides 10 cyclists, there are 18 pedestrians, 17 two-wheeler riders, 2 cart-riders/ e-rickshaw drivers and 4 four-wheeler riders, who have also lost their lives.

When contacted, Chief Engineer, Chandigarh, CB Ojha, said also confirmed that the recommendations were sent and after the death of the cyclist on Jan Marg, a road safety team has been asked to submit a report of the exact stretch. “There is a considerable slow carriage way along with this particular stretch. At many places where we have found shortage of space to construct the cycle track, we earmarked yellow lane on the road dedicated the space to cyclists,” Ojha added.

Meanwhile, cycling enthusiast, Matinder Pal Sekhon, of Mohali, said that cyclists and pedestrians are the “most vulnerable” on the UT’s roads, and said that despite having hundreds of kilometers long cycle tracks, cyclists are still unsafe due to the encroachments. “Unregulated autorickshaws are one of the growing threat out of many others for the cyclists. During morning and evening hours, we can easily find people strolling with their pets on cycle tracks creating lot of problem for cyclists,” Sekhon concluded.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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