Obstructions mar cycle tracks on Vigyan Path in Chd

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 24

Trees and electricity junctions are among major hindrances on Vigyan Path cycle tracks  to be launched by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator VP Badnore on Sunday on the second anniversary of the Smart City project. 

Near the golf range on Vigyan Path, a tree can be seen leaning over the cycle track, forcing people to stop and lift their cycles to cross it. On the opposite cycle track, an electricity junction is proving to be an obstruction. This is the road that passes along Badnore’s residence. Under the Smart City project, the UT Administration had got it readied and the remaining tracks will also be upgraded.

Though cycle tracks in the entire city are plagued by such problems but those on Vigyan Path gain importance as these will be inaugurated tomorrow. 

“It is good that the administration is constructing and upgrading cycle tracks as it will avoid accidents and encourage cycling. But, there are several spots where electricity poles, trees and other obstructions make us avoid cycle tracks. These must be fixed,” said Raminder Singh, a cycling enthusiast.

UT Chief Engineer Mukesh Anand, however, assured, “We have changed the direction of trees and removed electricity poles from the cycle tracks on Vigyan Path. A tree near the golf range, however, is yet to be cut. It will be done soon.”

Under the Smart City project, new cycle tracks are being constructed at Madhya Marg, Jan Marg, Vikas Path and Purv Marg. The UT has spent about Rs 14 crore on the project and has roped in a company to construct cycle tracks in Chandigarh.      

Sources said the UT had decided to construct 90-km new cycle tracks in the city. Currently, the city has around 82-km unconnected cycle tracks. After the work, the city will have about 172-km cycle tracks.

Badnore will also launch the construction of a subway, connecting Sector 17 with Rose Garden, a smart parking app and e-vitalisation of the proposed urban park at the rear of Neelam Cinema, Sector 17. 

What they say

It is good that the Administration is constructing and upgrading cycle tracks. But there are several spots where electricity poles, trees and other obstructions make us avoid cycle tracks. These must be fixed. — Raminder Singh, Cycling enthusiast

We have changed the direction of trees and removed electricity poles from the cycle tracks on Vigyan Path. A tree near the golf range will be cut soon. — Mukesh Anand, UT Chief Engineer