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

After Dwarka, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is planning to further its cycle-sharing project across the national capital.

Officials said the authority expects to install over 1,600 cycle stations by 2018 to improve last-mile connectivity and ensure mass transit through cheap mobility. The project will cover main arterial roads, West and South Delhi, officials said.

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.


THE INDIAN EXPRESS