New Delhi: Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) long-awaited project to develop a 52-km cycling track along Yamuna floodplains is finally set to move forward, with the authority inviting tenders for the first phase that will cover a 24-km stretch along the western bank of Yamuna — from Old Railway Bridge to National Highway 24. The cost of its construction has been estimated at Rs 16.4 crore.The cycling track, which is set to be developed on both sides of the river, is expected to take around six to seven months to complete. The project includes development of the track, installation of solar panels, LED bollards and lights, other lighting work and extensive greenery along the route by horticulture development.The cycling corridor will use permeable materials and include docking stations, parking areas, shaded rest points, viewing decks and wayfinding systems. “These elements will blend with the surrounding landscape without disturbing the ecological character of the floodplains,” officials said.Once completed, the track is expected to provide a continuous recreational route along the riverfront. “Most importantly, it will also promote non-motorised mobility and allow regulated public access to the floodplains,” said the officials.Delhi Master Plan 2047, which was notified on Aug 20 this year, proposes a dedicated 52-km cycling and walking track along Yamuna floodplains. Planned to be developed in three phases, it will stretch from Wazirabad Yamuna Bridge to NH-24 and further to Kalindi Kunj Biodiversity Park. The plan aims to promote green mobility and connect several parks across the capital.This April, the project received clearance from the principal committee of National Green Tribunal (NGT) following modifications to the proposed route. “This came after experts raised concerns about the alignment of the route. The issues were resolved after necessary changes were made to the plan,” one of the officials said.The first phase of the plan was revised following expert observations to ensure environmental sensitivity and year-round usability. Accordingly, the route has been shifted away from vulnerable river edges and will instead follow existing embankments and established pathways.The project is part of DDA’s larger plan to restore more than 1,700 hectares of Yamuna floodplains as biodiverse and publicly accessible spaces. The authority has undertaken 13 projects along the floodplains in the city. Several of them, including Asita, Baansera, Kalindi Biodiversity Park, Yamuna Vatika and Amrut Biodiversity Park, have been already completed, along with development works at many ghats. Other projects, including Mayur Nature Park and an eco-tourism zone, are currently under development.“The cycling track will connect these restored sites. The initiatives form part of a broader strategy to restore and rejuvenate the river’s ecological landscape while enabling regulated public access to them,” according to the officials.The cycling corridor will not merely be a transport project but a part of a wider vision to strengthen the relationship between Delhiites and the river, the officials said. By promoting non-motorised transport, the cycling track is also expected to improve public health and expand recreational opportunities, they added.In Nov last year, chief minister Rekha Gupta chaired a high-level review meeting regarding the proposed 52-km track and was informed that most of the departments had already issued no objection certificates (NOCs) for the project and that coordination among agencies had been established.
