MMRDA’S cycle vision back on track in BKC
MUMBAI: After a failed attempt a decade back, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has revived its plan of installing a cycle track in the Bandra-kurla Complex (BKC). The cycle track will be built along the footpath with bollards separating the pavement from the track, officials said.
On Tuesday, the guardian minister for Mumbai suburbs, Aaditya Thackeray, tweeted, “MMRDA is executing a cycle track in BKC. With increased offices, connectivity, we hope this would help with the lastmile connect.” He further said that pedestrians, cyclists, cars, and buses should have their rightful space on the streets and the government is working towards the same.
RA Rajeev, metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA said, “The work is in progress. Around a 4.5-5km stretch in BKC will have a cycle track.” When asked about the changes this time around, Rajeev said the height of the track has been raised at the footpath level. The MMRDA is also painting the track a separate colour for identification.
In 2011, MMRDA had spent around ₹6 crore to create a cycle track. However, the project failed as two-wheelers used the lane to evade traffic. It was also used as a parking spot by autos. The MMRDA, in August 2020, launched a public bike-sharing scheme in BKC, which has picked pace. As per data, more than 78,000 trips have been made in five months. Meanwhile, MMRDA has also undertaken the work of refurbishing footpaths in BKC’S G-block, at ₹18.11 crore. The improvement work is expected to be completed by April 2021.