Srinagar: The much-hyped Srinagar Smart City Limited’s public bicycle-sharing initiative, once launched under the catchy slogan ‘Burn Fat, Not Fuel’, has seemingly collapsed under the weight of poor planning, lack of infrastructure, and dismal public engagement.
Designed to promote eco-friendly commuting and healthy lifestyles, the initiative installed cycle docks at various prominent locations in the city. Today, however, rows of green-colored bicycles lie idle, untouched and gathering dust, as citizens increasingly view the project as a symbol of wasted potential.
While the vision was ambitious, to weave cycling into Srinagar’s daily urban life, the execution, locals say, has been uninspiring at best. “The cycles are there, but no one uses them. Why would anyone, when there’s no safe space to ride them?” questioned a shopkeeper near Lal Chowk.
Absence of dedicated, uninterrupted cycling tracks has emerged as the primary concern. Where tracks do exist, residents complain they are either incomplete or encroached by roadside vendors, robbing cyclists of any sense of safety. “Cycling amidst honking cars and encroachments is more stressful than convenient,” a college student told the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
Moreover, the requirement of installing an app-based registration system to unlock the bikes has also discouraged many, particularly the elderly and those with limited digital literacy. “It’s not user-friendly. Why can’t it be simpler?” asked a commuter who once tried the service but never returned to it.
Adding to the project’s woes is the lack of any awareness campaign or on-ground promotional drive from the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL). Residents say the initiative was launched with flair but forgotten soon after. “There has been no motivation, no follow-up, no cycling events, not even posters. How do you expect people to adopt something they barely know about?” said a school teacher from Rajbagh.
Citizens and civic groups now urge a critical reassessment of the project. “This initiative had promise, it could have helped reduce traffic congestion, cut down emissions, and promoted health. But it turned into a stillborn idea due to official indifference,” remarked a local environmental activist.
Ironically, what was meant to encourage citizens to burn fat instead of fuel, has ended up burning public funds, with little to show in return.
Urban mobility experts believe that without dedicated lanes, easier access systems, community engagement, and a sustained promotional effort, such initiatives are bound to fail, no matter how noble the intent. [KNT]
Comments are closed.