The smart city project's public bicycle initiative in Hubballi remains inaccessible to numerous residents across various parts of the city. Despite multiple requests from individuals and organisations seeking the bicycle-sharing facility in their neighbourhoods, the authorities have not taken any concrete steps to address these demands.
Certain locations with existing bicycle stations show low utilisation rates, so officials have identified these underperforming spots but have not relocated them to areas with high demand. Residents from Old Hubballi, Siddaroodha Mutt, Old bus terminal and market areas have consistently requested bicycle stations, yet the administration has shown no interest in transferring the facilities to these locations where they are most needed.
Basavaraj Dharmanthi, DGM of Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited, confirmed receiving numerous requests regarding the public bicycle system (PBS). He mentioned sending correspondence to HDMC requesting space allocation for relocating underutilised docking stations. He further explained that they pinpointed five to six underperforming docking stations for relocation. While potential new locations have been identified, they await land allocation from the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) to proceed with the changes.
Sources indicate that citizens have voiced concerns about safety risks due to the lack of dedicated cycling lanes. Although bicycle tracks were constructed on TenderSure road, they have been taken over by street vendors due to insufficient monitoring by municipal authorities. The contractor has also assured to relocate the non-performing docking stations to some other locations without claiming any amount from the concerned authorities from where the demands for the service are more.
Yalavigi resident Mallesh emphasised the need for PBS facilities near Hubballi railway station. He suggested that this would benefit students and commuters, offering them a cost-effective alternative instead of expensive auto-rickshaw rides. While certain locations have witnessed successful PBS adoption with regular usage, other areas face challenges. The absence of proper connections between docking stations and dedicated bicycle lanes has discouraged people from utilising the system, according to Mallesh.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): J Abbas Mulla
Quelle/Source: The Times of India, 31.10.2024
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