A first: Work awarded to build cycle tracks along highways in city

In a first, cycle tracks will come up along highways in Ludhiana. For this, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has awarded the work.

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The contract has been allotted to a local construction company at the cost Rs 10.45 crore for construction of 17.041-km cycle tracks on both sides of the Laddowal Bypass in the first phase of the ambitious project.

It was done following a formal nod to this effect given by NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav on the request of Rajya Sabha MP from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora.

According to the work order issued by the NHAI on September 9, a copy of which is with The Tribune, the work of construction of the cycle tracks along four-lane partial access controlled Laddowal Bypass linking the NH-95 with the NH-1 via Laddowal seed farm in Ludhiana has been awarded to Kabir Infra Private Limited.

“It is hereby notified that your bid for a contract price of Rs 10,44,85,914 (exclusive of GST), which is at a discount of 33.7 per cent on the estimated cost of Rs 15,75,95,648 has been accepted by the competent authority for and on behalf of the NHAI,” the order issued by DGM (Technical) Aashish Garg read.

The awarded firm has been asked to furnish two performance securities in the amount of Rs 31,34,578 each within 10 days as per the laid down provisions and sign the contract agreement, failing which the actions as stipulated in the bid document shall be taken.

Arora, who met the NHAI Chairman in New Delhi recently, told The Tribune on Wednesday that the first phase of the environment-friendly project will cover both sides of Laddowal Bypass at the cost of Rs 10.45 crore.

The development assumes significance as Ludhiana is the largest manufacturer of bicycles in the world.

With this, the industrial hub can become the most bicycle-friendly city in the country.

He said the NHAI Chairman has intimated him that the formal work order to construct the cycle tracks along the highways in Ludhiana had been accorded and the construction work on the project would begin shortly.

The ruling AAP member in the Upper House of Parliament from Punjab has been apprised by the NHAI that a 2-meter-wide bicycle track will be built on the service road or extended main carriageway from 0 to 4.5-km (both sides) by providing a dedicated lane for cyclists divided by rumble strips, spring posts and road studs with synthetic enamel paint on existing concrete pavement.

“In the light of public demand/ MP’s reference, an estimate for construction of bicycle track along Laddowal Bypass amounting to Rs 18,59,62,865 (including 18 per cent GST) has been approved by the competent authority of NHAI,” Arora has been informed.

In his subsequent meetings and communications, the Rajya Sabha MP had urged the NHAI Chairman to establish cycle tracks along national highways in Ludhiana.

He had apprised the NHAI Chairman that on World Bicycle Day last year, he had attended functions organised by the cycle industry in Ludhiana, wherein the demand was raised to build cycle tracks and promote cycling and the industry as well.

Rajya Sabha MP had apprised the NHAI chairman that the bicycle is a mode of transportation being used more in western countries. “The use of bicycles is environmentally friendly, good for people’s health and is also an affordable means of transportation for common man,” he had mentioned while requesting the NHAI Chairman to make cycle tracks along the NHAI highways wherever possible and feasible.

Arora had suggested that cycle tracks could be made along Laddowal Bypass, Ferozepur Road, and Elevated Road in Ludhiana.

He had further mentioned that according to his information, some proposals were already lying with the head office, which could be examined and approved. “Let us set an example with Ludhiana, how bicycles can be used for transportation as in countries like the Netherlands,” he had urged the NHAI chairman.

Arora has thanked the NHAI Chairman for accepting his request and giving nod for construction of cycle tracks on both sides of the highways, as per the availability of land and feasibility, in Ludhiana.

To mitigate pollution, congestion: Arora

“It would mitigate pollution and congestion, besides enhancing safety on streets and providing safe neighbourhoods. Vehicle-free zones, cycle highways, shared streets planned in a phased manner would ensure citizens adopt and adapt for a positive outcome in the long run. Being one of the most polluted cities in the world, Ludhiana can be made clean and green by promoting cycling, which would reduce the rising pollution levels, ” Arora said.