The Indian Express 02.07.2013
HUDA introduces an eco-friendly way to explore Gurgaon
Urban Development Authority) has teamed up with Planet Advertising to
set up cycle stations near Metro stations in Gurgaon. One such stand
near HUDA City Centre station has already been created and will be
inaugurated soon.
According to a senior HUDA official, a pilot project will
be run in a couple of areas to assess the response and then a proposal
for setting up more stations will be accepted. Initially, the pilot will
run along four stations — HUDA City Centre, IFFCO Chowk, MG Road and
Dronacharya.
HUDA will provide land on the green belt for these stands, while the
operation of the project will be handled by a private firm, an official
said.
S Narayan, Operations Manager of Planet Advertising said:
“We had shared a proposal with the HUDA authorities to set up cycle
stands just like the ones we set up in BRT, Delhi. After it became
popular there, we were asked to create a pilot in Gurgaon. The idea is
to generate awareness among residents and commuters about the benefits
of cycling and use of non-motorable transportation (NMT) which is
otherwise, lacking in Gurgaon.”
Planet Advertising is also planning to introduce maps on
the stands to guide people not familiar with Gurgaon. The bikes
introduced at the pilot station are green sports mountain rangers.
One stand has the capacity tohold 20 cycles, each of which
can be rented at Rs 10 per hour. But the charge increases to Rs 100 at
night (so that the cycles are returned timely), officials said.
To hire a cycle, an original ID proof (voter card, driving
license or passport) is required to be submitted with the attendant and
the mobile number of the person will also be noted. The ID will be
returned when the cycle is returned. One can also become a member for an
annual charge of Rs 100.
The stand will function from 9 am to 7 pm and free parking will also be available on
priority basis. Any physical damage to the cycle, will be charged. The
planning and operation is our responsibility and we hope to create more
of such stands soon, said the official.
Children and students need to seek permission or submit their
parents’ ID proofs for a ride. If a person keeps a cycle for more than
24 hours, an FIR will be filed at the nearest police station.
