Encroachments overrun Srinagar’s dedicated cycle tracks

Srinagar, Aug 06: The much-publicised dedicated cycle tracks developed under the Smart City project across Srinagar are increasingly losing their purpose as encroachments have effectively rendered them unusable. Aimed at promoting eco-friendly transportation and reducing traffic congestion, the initiative has fallen short as street vendors and parked vehicles occupy large sections of the tracks, making them nearly impossible for cyclists to use.Laid strategically across high-footfall and scenic areas such as Foreshore Road by Dal Lake and the bustling city centre of Lal Chowk, the tracks were meant to provide safe and convenient routes for cyclists. Instead, they are now blocked by food carts, ice cream vendors, vegetable stalls, and even parked vehicles. This forces cyclists to shift onto busy roads or footpaths to avoid the obstructions, defeating the tracks’ purpose and posing a significant safety risk for all road users.Cycling enthusiasts, who initially welcomed the project, are growing frustrated over the failure to maintain and protect the tracks. “I was excited when I first saw the cycle tracks being developed, thinking they would finally give cyclists a proper space in Srinagar. But unfortunately, they have been overtaken by vendors and carts, making them useless. It really defeats the entire purpose,” said Mehraj Malik, an avid cyclist from Karan Nagar.Mehraj’s sentiment is echoed by others who regularly use the tracks. “When I ride along Foreshore Road, I often have to stop multiple times because the track is blocked. There are points where I have no choice but to ride on the road, putting myself in danger. The tracks were supposed to be a safe space for us, but they are practically non-existent now,” said Momin Beigh, another cyclist.Many cyclists also expressed concern over the lack of civic responsibility, with pedestrians often using the cycle tracks despite footpaths being nearby. “It’s not just about infrastructure; it’s about how people use it. Many pedestrians use the cycle tracks as well, even though the footpaths are right next to them. It’s disheartening to see that these facilities are being misused, as it completely undermines the government’s efforts,” said Faizan Qureshi, a cyclist from Gogji Bagh.Adding to the woes, cyclists mentioned that footpaths adjacent to the cycle tracks have become informal parking zones, with vehicles parked haphazardly along the walkways. The encroachment on both tracks and footpaths is causing serious inconvenience not only to cyclists but also to pedestrians. “It’s frustrating to see vehicles blocking both the cycle tracks and footpaths. We cyclists are forced into risky traffic, while pedestrians struggle to find space to walk safely. This lack of order is turning what should be a simple commute into a daily challenge,” said Omar Wani, a regular cyclist. Responding to these concerns, a senior SMC official, requesting anonymity, acknowledged the problem but assured that steps are being taken to address it. “The department has stepped up its anti-encroachment operations across the city with the aim of clearing public pathways and restoring public spaces, including cycle tracks.” The official further explained that efforts are underway to restore the tracks to their intended purpose. “We understand the concerns of cyclists and pedestrians. We are working to clear the encroachments and ensure that these public spaces serve their intended purpose. We have issued formal notices to all violators and given them time to remove their encroachments voluntarily. Our aim is not to harm anyone’s livelihood but to ensure that city infrastructure works for everyone, especially the common citizens who face daily hardships due to blocked footpaths and narrowed roads,” the official said. As authorities work to clear the encroachments, locals remain hopeful that the cycle tracks will once again serve their intended purpose. Until then, cyclists and pedestrians will remain burdened by these challenges.