A Decade On, Brakes On Bike-Sharing Despite Foot On The Pedal

Time of India

2 days ago

Nagpur: For over a decade, Nagpur has pursued the vision of becoming a cycling-friendly city, drawing inspiration from global models like Paris and Amsterdam. Public Bike Sharing (PBS) has been a consistent part of the city's Comprehensive Mobility Plans (CMPs).
Despite the repeated push — and Rs47.5 crore proposed over three CMPs — the city still awaits a fully functional system.
The concept was first introduced in the 2013 CMP, with Rs11.5 crore allocated for 79 docking stations across the Nagpur Metropolitan Region (NMR), including 70 sub-stations and 9 major docking hubs, which was prepared by NIT back then. In 2018, MahaMetro prepared the CMP and carried the idea forward, proposing 84 stations — again 9 main and 75 sub-stations — strategically placed near Metro stations and key bus terminals, with an estimated cost of Rs12 crore.
Now, CMP 2025 revisits the plan on a larger scale, with a Rs24 crore budget and 120 proposed locations citywide.
Despite these plans, the city saw little on-ground change. Independent efforts, including the bike-sharing partnership between MahaMetro and private operator VIPL, also failed to make an impact. This pattern of repeated proposals and limited implementation raises questions about feasibility, execution, and long-term planning.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy
IC Markets
Tìm hiểu thêm
Undo
However, officials maintain that lessons were learned and that CMP 2025 will mark a turning point. A senior official told TOI, "Whenever we look at successful PBS models globally, one key element stands out — dedicated Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) infrastructure. This includes separate cycling lanes, wide footpaths, and safe, encroachment-free pedestrian zones. These are the foundations we're prioritising in the new plan.
"
He also outlined the adoption of the 'Hub & Spoke' model in the latest blueprint. "In this model, we ensure major docking stations are supported by sub-stations within a 2–3 km radius. For example, someone exiting a Metro station can pick up a cycle there and drop it near their home, where a sub-docking station will be available. From there, a clean, walkable footpath will lead them home. The goal is to make the system seamless and city-wide, not clustered in pockets," he explained.
While the intent remains strong and the vision ambitious, the on-ground reality has not kept pace. For Nagpur's PBS scheme to succeed, it will need more than allocated budgets — it will require consistent execution, public awareness, behavioural shifts, and infrastructure that supports non-motorised mobility.
With CMP 2025 laying renewed focus on integrated planning and last-mile connectivity, stakeholders remain hopeful. The question now is whether Nagpur can finally move from planning to pedalling.