Soon, you can get a free cycle from varsity to Sukhna Lake

To promote vehicle and pollution-free zone, the bicycles will be available on designated points on the route from Panjab University-PGI-Sector 17 towards Sukhna Lake.

Cycles available for hire in Chandigarh.

COMMUTERS IN Chandigarh are all set to get bicycles — free of cost — on the busiest points of the city soon. To promote vehicle and pollution-free zone, the bicycles will be available on designated points on the route from Panjab University-PGI-Sector 17 towards Sukhna Lake.

The architect wing got approval for the project from the Chief Engineer, Municipal Corporation, on Monday. The process of identification of the number of cycle points has been started. Instead of opting for a taxi or a bus, one can take a bicycle from one point and drop it on the next point nearest his destination.

As per the project, the Hero Cycles company has agreed to provide 150 cycles with 20 cycles on each point. According to officials of the MC’s architect wing, the points on which cycles will be made available are in sectors 14-15-16-17-2 and 3, Chandigarh.

“Right now they have decided to give 150 cycles free. But our talks with Hero Cycles are on, let’s if they could provide us 1,000 cycles. We have identified three points as of now: parking area in front of MC building, at Panjab University and MC parking in front of Sukhna Lake,” said chief engineer Mukesh Anand. “In fact, we want more areas of the city to be covered, and these will be decided soon.”

There are certain terms and conditions which one has to fulfil before procuring a cycle to reach their destination. “The cycles will be given after taking adequate ID proof and they may drop the cycle after they reach their destinations near the ‘Hero Cycle point’. After taking the adequate identity proof, a consent form will also be signed by the user which states that the company wouldn’t be responsible for any mishap/accident/injury and that he shall be the sole responsible for the cycle and its safety,” noted the terms and conditions. “There will be proper security arrangements and coordination among all the points to avoid loss, damage and other theft incidents.”

CCTV cameras will be installed on all the points and one mechanic, supervisor, cleaner, security guard and an usher to man the location will be provided. “This location has been selected to have the cycle points because it sees the highest number of visitors, be it PGI, Sukhna Lake, Panjab University or the shopping centre of Sector 17,” said another official.

Hina Rohtaki

Hina Rohtaki is a Special Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in Chandigarh. She is one of the most prominent journalists covering the Chandigarh Administration, civic issues, and the unique political status of the Union Territory. Professional Background Experience: She has been in the field for over a decade and is known for her investigative reporting on administrative waste and urban governance. Awards: She is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award, which was presented to her by the President of India in January 2020. She was also awarded the Jethmalani prize (The Will of Steel Awards) in 2025 in the Empowerment category for a series of articles that highlighted the struggles of Covid widows. Core Beat: Her primary focus is the Chandigarh administrative structure, the Union Territory's financial management, and urban development projects. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent work highlights a focus on government accountability, administrative expenditures, and civic trends: 1. Investigative & Financial Reporting "Fuelling power: Senior UT IAS officers guzzled petrol worth Rs 30 lakh in 2 yrs" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative report detailing the high fuel bills of top bureaucrats, including the Finance Secretary and Chief Secretary’s staff. "Admn spends Rs 1.5 crore on dismantling road railings and fixing again after increasing height" (Dec 8, 2025): Highlighting administrative waste on "non-viable" solutions for pedestrian control. "Chandigarh’s finances under ministry’s watch now" (Nov 27, 2025): Reporting on the new requirement for MHA approval for all new projects in the UT. 2. Governance & Constitutional Status "What will it mean for Chandigarh if it is brought under Article 240?" (Nov 24, 2025): An "Explained" piece on the potential constitutional shift that would grant the President more power over the UT's governance. "MP Manish Tewari moves Bill seeking directly elected Mayor with 5-year tenure" (Dec 6, 2025): Covering the legislative push to reform Chandigarh's municipal leadership structure. "No proposal to increase Mayor's term in Chandigarh by 5 years: Centre" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on the Union government's response to demands for a longer mayoral term. 3. Urban Infrastructure & Environment "Chandigarh admn cuts power to India's tallest air purifier, asks firm to dismantle it" (Nov 17, 2025): A critical report on the failure of a high-cost environmental project deemed "of no use" by experts. "UT rethinks 24/7 water supply project as costs soar" (Nov 26, 2025): Detailing the financial challenges and delays in modernizing the city's water network. "Centre 'obfuscating, covering up' MC's shifting deadlines for clearing Dadu Majra dump" (Dec 12, 2025): Reporting on the ongoing controversy surrounding the city's major waste dump. 4. Lifestyle & Local Trends "Chandigarh turns into a Thar city as women fuel the surge" (Dec 2, 2025): A feature on a unique automotive trend in the city, with a record 600 registrations by women drivers this year. "After fivefold spike in 2023, EV sales struggle to pick pace in Chandigarh" (Dec 2, 2025): Analyzing the slowdown in electric vehicle adoption despite previous surges. Signature Beat Hina is known for her meticulous tracking of RTI (Right to Information) data to expose administrative inefficiency. Her "Ground Zero" reporting on the Dadu Majra garbage dump and her scrutiny of the Chandigarh Smart City projects have made her a key figure in the city’s civil society discourse. X (Twitter): @HinaRohtaki ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram