Ludhiana: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has given its final approval to the construction of cycle track along Ladowal bypass on NH-95. Confirming this on Saturday, Ludhiana MP (Rajya Sabha) Sanjeev Arora said that he has been informed about the final approval by senior NHAI officials in Delhi. A proposal for construction of cycle track along Ladowal bypass on NH-95 at a cost of Rs 18,59,62,865 was submitted for approval of the competent authority. In this regard, it is informed that the competent authority has approved the above proposal and it will be taken up on standalone basis by inviting separate bids at RO-Chandigarh level.
According to Arora, the location of the cycle track will be from Km 5+060 to Km 15+000 of Ladowal bypass (both sides) and its length will be around 20 km (including both sides). The 2.25 m wide cycle track with cement concrete pavement M-30 of 150 mm thickness will be laid on granular sub-base of 150 mm thickness, with provision of street light poles, road studs and markings on both sides of the track. For safe movement of cyclists, metal beam crash barriers of about 3.2 km length are proposed to eliminate the possibility of collision between the cycle track and other vehicles. Provision of signage (warning/informative/mandatory), markings, road studs, rumble strips etc. have been envisaged. Another major feature of the project will be that 600 mm diameter pipes will be installed every 500 metres for efficient cross drainage. Meanwhile, Arora has written a letter to NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav appreciating him for approving the cycle track project in Ludhiana. Arora wrote to the NHAI Chairman that he would like to express his heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the entire Ludhiana city for the approval and sanction of the cycle track project at Ladowal bypass in Ludhiana by NHAI. He further wrote that this visionary initiative is very important for the future of Ludhiana city. He said that the construction of this dedicated cycle lane will provide a safe and separate space for cyclists, thereby promoting the use of eco-friendly transport and boosting public health in Ludhiana. This project is a big win for Ludhiana and Ludhiana residents are very grateful to NHAI for recognising this need and taking decisive action. Arora, in his letter to the NHAI chairman, expressed hope that he expects the project to come to fruition soon. Technical drawings of the project have also been provided to Arora. It is on Arora’s initiative that NHAI has approved the construction of the cycle track. The MP had urged the NHAI chairman to set up a cycle track in Ludhiana, which is considered the hub of the cycle industry. He told the NHAI chairman that on World Bicycle Day last year, he had attended the second AICMA (All India Cycle Manufacturers Association) award ceremony in which the demand was raised to build cycle tracks and promote cycling as well as the industry. When the demand for building a cycle track in Ludhiana was raised at the 2nd AICMA Awards ceremony, Hero Eco Group Chairman Vijay Munjal, Hero Cycles Ltd Managing Director SK Rai and Big-Ben Group (JSTS) Tejwinder Singh and Avon Cycles CMD Omkar Singh Pahwa were also present there. Arora said that the citizens of Ludhiana and the cycle industry are appreciating this initiative. Arora, however, said that it is a matter of pride for him that the industrialists of Ludhiana have reposed faith in his abilities as an MP. He said that he is committed to do his part to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Ludhiana so that the city can be made a more beautiful and liveable place. He said that development of the city means development of the citizens.
