Bicycle sharing service to begin in Bhubaneswar ahead of Hockey World Cup

KalingaTV News Network

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to check pollution and traffic chaos, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has decided to start the eco-friendly ‘Public Cycle-Sharing System’ in the city.

According to BDA Vice Chairman Krishan Kumar,as many as 2,000 cycles with Global Positioning System (GPS) will be made available in the first phase before the Hockey World Cup, scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar in November this year.

The cycles will be kept at various cycling dock stations and cycle stands and will be available on a rent basis. The first half-an hour ride will be free.

Bookings to get the bicycle sharing service can be done through mobile app. The cost of each cycle is said to be around Rs 45,000-50,000.

The BDA has decided construct a total of 60 kms of cycle tracks along the 3 major roads in the city – Airport to KIIT Square, Vani-Vihar to Rajmahal Square and Governor House to Jaydev Vihar. Besides, it will repair and cleared of encroachment on the existing 15 kms of cycle track.

The project has been partnered by ‘Mobike’, an internationally renowned organisation that promotes cycles and non-motorised transport.”

The BDA is also mulling over expanding the total length of the cycling tracks in the city to 120 kms in the next five years.

A preparatory meeting in this regard was held at the state Secretariat. Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi chaired the meeting which was attended by the BDA officials.