Mumbai gets first cycle track

Mumbai’s first cycle track was inaugurated at the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) recently by Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan. The inauguration was a part of the BSA Hercules India Cyclothon-2011 edition. The cycling track covers 13km with 1.5m wide lanes and cost about र6.5cr to build. It is spread over the ‘G’ Block in the Bandra-Kurla Complex. The track has been painted green to give it a unique identity and differentiate from normal vehicular roads. This track of 13km will later be extended by 3km. The cycle track is a small but important step in reducing carbon emission as well as promoting sport and health in the city. The MMRDA would take up the extension of the cycle track soon. To popularise the cycle track, MMRDA plans to conduct educational programmes in the nearby schools, encouraging children to use the track. It also hopes to get corporate houses to sponsor bicycles which will be distributed free to students. But the question remains whether MMRDA will be able to keep the track free of encroachments by corporate houses and unauthorised parking.