Saswat Singhdeo

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the Men's Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar, smart cycle tracks have been laid out across the city.

While 1400 cycles have reached Bhubaneswar, in the first phase 1000 cycles will be available for public use for which BMC has identified 120 locations.

"In the first phase we have identified 120 places, work for which is almost on the verge of completion. In those places cycles will be available," informed Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Krishan Kumar.

“The cycle services along with Mo Cycle app will be launched by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on November 26,” Kumar added.

Sources said that the State government has signed MoUs with 3 companies--Yulu, Yaana and Hexi for the project under which 3-feet wide tracks are being demarcated with red colour across the capital city. To create awareness, cycle symbols have also been drawn on the tracks.

While the first 30 minutes will be free ride, for a monthly membership, users will have to pay Rs 100 for using the cycles.

Meanwhile, questions are being raised over possible encroachment on the tracks.

“BMC has done a good job but if shops will occupy those tracks and auto rickshaw drivers will park their vehicles, how will the cyclists commute?” said Ghanashyam Behera, a Bhubaneswar resident.

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