As part of a DDA initiative, such tracks were made in different parts of Delhi and, of course, Dwarka to promote cycling as an eco-friendly mode of transport. But in the absence of awareness, everything fell into disrepair.
The “Cycle Track” board just at the entrance of Palaz Park in Sector 6 in Dwarka, the iron cycle stands... all seem to point to unfortunate disuse — to neglect.
The track inside the park was developed exclusively for cycling and it was one of the most ambitious projects developed by the DDA. According to sources, these tracks were connected to tracks in parks of other sectors — like the tracks connecting parks in Sectors 6 and 12.
According to the DDA, such tracks were made in different parts of Delhi such as Rohini, Hauz Khas, Hari Nagar and, of course, Dwarka to promote cycling as an eco-friendly mode of transport. But as it happened, the initiative failed to gain popularity, and slowly people pretty much forgot about these tracks.
One of the senior DDA officials informed on condition of anonymity, “The tracks were developed between 2000 and 2005 in Dwarka and other parts of Delhi to promote a healthy lifestyle. But it did not gain much popularity with people. They instead used these tracks for walking.”
In Sector 12, the tracks from one park to another have either been encroached upon or simply disappeared under wild growth. Most people don’t even know about these tracks.
Most — not all.
PC Xavier of Sahyadri Apartments in Sector 12 lamented, “I did notice such tracks in our sector — knew they were meant for jogging or cycling. These are connected to the parks inside the sector so if you are walking or cycling, you won't need to take to the main road at all. It was a beautifully designed concept — now biting dust.”
So now what happens to the existing infrastructure — built with public money? The projects could have done better had the DDA taken steps to create awareness among residents.
But that’s for another story.
