The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has embarked on a significant initiative to construct a 40km cycle track network throughout the city, aiming to bolster eco-friendly public transportation and provide dedicated infrastructure for cyclists.
This ambitious project supplements existing cycle tracks in Vashi and Nerul, with the Vashi track spanning 2km from Sagar Vihar to the Sector 9 area, and the Nerul track stretching along the Palm Beach service road. The need for dedicated cycle tracks was underscored by a tragic incident on February 28, where former Intel India country head Avtar Saini, 68, lost his life in a collision with a speeding cab while cycling along Palm Beach Road. His untimely demise sparked outcry among cycling enthusiasts, highlighting the urgent requirement for safe cycling infrastructure in Navi Mumbai. As part of the project, a 6km cycle track is slated to be constructed along Patni Road, connecting the Patni Company area to the Ichchha Purti Ganesh Temple. Additionally, the Jewel of Navi Mumbai Garden in Nerul is set to feature a dedicated cycle track.
NMMC city engineer Sanjay Desai said that with the upcoming tracks, cyclists will get a safe space and not compete with vehicles for road space, cycle track can reduce the risk of collisions and the number of road-traffic incidents. He also said they plan to encourage more people to take up cycling, which is the need of the hour to keep the citizens fit and adapt healthy lifestyle. The upcoming tracks are being constructed to be around 2 to 3m wide with yellow and blue stripes and they will come up in Airoli along Airoli-Ghansoli road, which will be an 8km track. In the same area, a 3.2km track is planned from DAV school to sectors 14 and 15.
The comprehensive plan includes a 9km cycle track along the entire stretch of the Palm Beach Road service road, along with a 4.2km track in Belapur, extending from the Ramabai Nagar residential colony to the Kharghar Raintree Hill area. NMMC’s endeavour aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainable transportation solutions and enhance urban mobility. By prioritising cycling infrastructure, the municipality aims to encourage more residents to adopt cycling as a viable mode of transportation, reducing reliance on conventional vehicles and mitigating traffic congestion. According to NMMC city engineer Sanjay Desai, NMMC endeavours to promote and encourage environment friendly and healthy living for the citizens. Cycling is an excellent form of exercise to stay fit. It is in this context that we have up the cycle track projects.” Stated Desai, We have initiated the measures required for the construction of these new tracks that will have a total of over 40km.We are expecting them to be ready in the coming months as we are spending up the work.”
