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By Binson Thomas

CYCLE KATTA, a non-commercial platform that has been representing cyclists since 2015, organised a session on Saturday to plan the construction of the longest cycling track in India. The project, launched by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), aims to convert a 39-km-long stretch along the Tansa water pipelines in the city into a corridor, exclusively meant for cyclists. The Rs 300-crore project stretches from Mulund to Antop Hill, Kurla Bandra and Mahim, covering four major link roads, and will also connect 19 railway, seven metro and four mono rail stations.

Nitin Shukla, in charge of the project for BMC, said, “The idea is to reduce the city’s carbon footprint and also secure the water pipelines by allowing people… or cyclists to move along it.” Shukla was speaking at an event organised by Cycle Katta, in association with D G Ruparel College, Matunga.

The BMC is planning to build the track, hoping that a phase of it can be completed by 2019. Pallavi Doke, managing director of EnviroDesigners, who are designing the track, said, “The onus is on us and the residents to make the project a success.”

The slums and encroachments lined along the 40-km stretch of the water pipelines may pose a challenge to the project, said sources. The Bombay High Court had ordered clearance of the encroachments, speedy execution of which will decide the success of the project.

While most welcomed the project, some of the attendees also criticised the manner in which the city’s first cycle track in Bandra Kurla Complex was planned and maintained.

Pointing at the “faulty design and improper construction” of the BKC cycle track, Manu Trivedi, an infrastructure expert and cycling enthusiast, said, “BKC cycle track is a joke.” Faisal Thakur, a cycle shop owner and cycling enthusiast, demanded that cyclists should be involved in the designing and planning of the project.

Both Shukla and Doke assured that the tendering process is transparent and open to all. They added that suggestions to make the track cyclist-friendly are welcome. Pallavi Doke pointed out that the BMC intends to complete the 1,300-metre pilot project in Mulund before Diwali.

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