Smart City Cycle tracks disappear
Srinagar, Jul 20: The much-hyped cycle tracks developed under the Smart City project across Srinagar have been rendered largely defunct: vendors of every kind including food carts, and parked vehicles occupy these dedicated spaces, leaving cycling enthusiasts frustrated and pedestrians inconvenienced.
To mention that the cycle tracks, laid along picturesque stretches like Dal Lake’s Foreshore Road and prominent areas in city centre Lal Chowk, were envisioned as a major step towards promoting eco-friendly and convenient cycling in the city. However, the on-ground reality paints a different picture.
Cycling enthusiasts, who had welcomed the initiative, say their excitement has quickly turned to disappointment. “I genuinely thought that finally, spaces were being created for cyclists in Srinagar. But sadly, these tracks have been taken over by vendors and carts. It defeats the whole purpose,” said Mudasir Ahmad, an avid cyclist from Batapora Hazratbal.
The cyclists said that among the worst-hit areas are the Foreshore Road and Lal Chowk, where food vendors, ice cream sellers, and vegetable carts have encroached upon the cycle tracks, forcing cyclists onto the main roads amid fast-moving traffic. “While cycling from Hazratbal to Nishat via the Foreshore Road track, I had to make multiple stops. At several points, I was forced to either use the footpath or dangerously cycle on the road because the track was blocked by vendors,” shared another cyclist, Momin Bhat.
Locals also lament that poor civic sense among residents is worsening the problem. They said pedestrians routinely use the cycle tracks, ignoring adjacent footpaths. “It’s not just about infrastructure, civic sense is equally important. The government is providing facilities, but if people don’t utilise them responsibly, the entire effort goes to waste,” said Shabir Ahmad, a pedestrian at Lalchowk.
Adding to the issue, residents pointed out that footpaths alongside cycle tracks have been turned into informal parking zones, with vehicles haphazardly parked. They said it is creating bottlenecks for both pedestrians and cyclists.
A senior official from Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) said. “We have developed these facilities with the vision of creating a cyclist-friendly Srinagar. However, people must also behave responsibly. We will look into the matter and mobilise relevant authorities to clear encroachments and restore these tracks and footpaths to their intended purpose,” the official assured.
Cycling enthusiasts and concerned locals said that they hope for timely action to reclaim these public spaces. They said if action is not taken, the city’s ambitious smart mobility initiatives will lose their meaning.
