Vendors encroach upon cycle tracks in Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 3: Srinagar’s much-hyped cycle tracks, developed under the Smart City project, are fast losing their purpose due to rampant encroachments, misuse, and vandalism, rendering the infrastructure defunct.

Cycling enthusiasts said that from the heart of Lal Chowk to the scenic Foreshore Road along Nishtat, vendors, vehicles, and poor civic behaviour are defeating the very idea of promoting safe and eco-friendly cycling in the city.

They said the cycle track along Foreshore Road, once showcased as a highlight of the Smart City initiative, has now turned into a cluttered strip occupied by street vendors, fisherwomen, corn sellers, and ice-cream carts. Cyclists complain that instead of enjoying a smooth ride, they are forced to navigate through makeshift stalls or risk cycling on the main road amid heavy traffic.

“I was excited when the Foreshore Road track near Nishat was opened. But today, it is impossible to use it properly. At every turn, you find vendors occupying the lane, and if you ask them to move, they hurl abuses,” said Asif Ahmad, a daily cyclist from Nishat.

Locals said the issue is not confined to Foreshore Road. In Lal Chowk and other parts of the city, cycle tracks and footpaths have been turned into parking zones for cars, auto-rickshaws, and even handcarts.

“It’s not only about building infrastructure; it’s about ensuring people respect it. Right now, there’s no sense of ownership,” said Shuja, a resident at Habak.

Adding insult to injury, Srinagarites said that vandalism has stripped the Foreshore cycle track of its sheen. Locals said that bollard poles, recently installed to prevent vehicles from entering the tracks and adjoining footpaths, have been uprooted or broken at several points.

“This was supposed to be a dedicated track. However, after the bollards were removed, it has become a parking lot. It not only looks ugly now, but also defeats the entire purpose,” said Faizan Ahmad, a pedestrian who frequently walks the Foreshore stretch.

A senior official of Srinagar Smart City Limited admitted that the situation was “unfortunate” and promised corrective steps.

“We created these tracks to encourage cycling and pedestrian movement, but misuse by vendors and commuters has weakened the initiative. The vandalism of bollard poles is particularly concerning, as it allows vehicles to encroach more easily,” the official said.

He said the matter would be taken up with the concerned enforcement agencies. “We are installing more bollard poles and ensuring stricter monitoring. At the same time, people need to show civic sense,” he said.