PM greenlights cycling track project

Civic agency to lay 374-kilometre track in Islamabad in 18 months

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has greenlit a plan to construct a network of cycling tracks in the federal capital for Rs2.4 billion.

The 374-km-long cycling tracks would be laid in 18 months as per the initial plan.

Dubbed as a transformative initiative by the Capital Development Authority, the project is anticipated to promote a healthy lifestyle and combat environmental pollution. 

According to sources, a comprehensive plan has been set in motion to construct cycling tracks across various sectors of the city. This ambitious project will be known as the Bicycle Lane Project (BLP).

The inauguration ceremony of the BLP is poised to be held in the next couple of weeks and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will attend the event as the chief guest.

The primary aim of this endeavour is to encourage healthy activities among citizens while addressing environmental concerns. Upon its completion, all petrol-fuelled bikes will be phased out in Islamabad, marking a paradigm shift towards sustainable transportation.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has emphasised the importance of creating a healthy environment for residents. To achieve this goal, bicycle lanes will be integrated into the city's infrastructure, particularly along highways and key areas like Khayaban Iqbal, Sector G-6, G-7, G-8, Green Double Lane, Jinnah Avenue, and Red Double Line. These cycling tracks will not only promote eco-friendly commuting but also facilitate metro bus passengers, offering them an alternative mode of travel.

Furthermore, the BLP includes plans for constructing 150 parking stands to accommodate e-bikes, allowing citizens to access affordable bike rental services. This initiative aligns with the phased elimination of petrol-powered bikes, contributing to a cleaner and healthier urban environment. The project encompasses essential features such as lighting and security arrangements to ensure a safe cycling experience for all users.

The CDA management has reaffirmed to prioritise environmental sustainability and public health in Islamabad. A senior CDA officer highlighted the project's swift implementation, overseen by expert teams from technical, engineering, and planning backgrounds. The project's multifaceted objectives aim to promote healthy lifestyles, provide cost-effective travel options amidst economic challenges, and significantly reduce environmental pollution.

One of the key strategies involves integrating cycling tracks with metro bus routes, offering commuters a seamless transition between modes of transportation. This innovative approach not only promotes cycling but also reduces reliance on petrol-based vehicles, contributing to a greener cityscape. Additionally, plans are underway to gradually phase out motorcycles in designated sectors, further enhancing environmental quality and promoting sustainable urban development.

The BLP stands as a pioneering initiative, signalling a shift towards eco-friendly mobility and a renewed focus on public health and environmental stewardship in Islamabad. With careful planning, strategic implementation, and community engagement, this project is poised to set a benchmark for sustainable urban infrastructure in Pakistan.