The 9.7-kilometre dedicated cycle track in HSR Layout that was supposed to have taken off more than two years ago is delayed yet again. If it was last year's record rains and this year's drain works, it's now the turn of non-payment of dues.
BBMP contractor Panduranga told Residents Watch that the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) is yet to clear three bills. "We have completed all the drain works along the cycle tracks but DULT is yet to pay for those works," he said. "We have now stopped all the work because we have no money left to do anything further unless they pay our dues."
BBMP sources at the headquarters informed us that the contractor has spent three-times the amount and is awaiting payments. "The delay is due to the excessive paper work that this project involves... the file is being passed around like in any government office," said one BBMP official.
If DULT releases the payments immediately, the cycle track should be ready in two months, according to the BBMP contractor.
WHERE IS THE TRACK COMING ALONG?
The cycle track will come up on a 9.7 kilometre stretch of the following roads: 14th Main, 17th Cross, 19th Main and 27th Main. According to the plan, all the signboards on these roads will change. With the cycle track on one side, there will be pelican signals (pedestrian light controlled crossing on poles installed on the footpath) for easy movement.
Source: BBMP consultant
The cycle tracks themselves will be green pigmented concrete surfaces, which are long-lasting. There will be one-feet high medians to separate the main road from the track, with bollards at every entrance point, so only cycles can go pass them.