Sarnath to attract tourists with green mobility

VARANASI: The tourist hotbed of ancient temple town will soon have a new attraction for tourists as the first ever cycle track in the area is expected to be developed between Ashapur Crossing and Sarnath Museum route.
The regional tourism officials believe that development of cycle tracks will not only promote green mode of transport, sustainable living, health and environmental sensitivity but will also give a boost to tourism as the tourists will have an opportunity to enjoy serenity of the city.“Most of the tourists, domestic as well as foreigners, visit Sarnath, one of the most revered place for Buddhists and also, one of the key tourism sites. The consideration of making a cycle track from Ashapur Crossing to Sarnath Museum route is great as lot of tourists take this route,” regional tourist officer, Ravindra Mishra told TOI on Tuesday.
Notably, the major tourist sites at Sarnath include Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, Museum, and excavation site. Regional UP tourism office, Varanasi, records show that the city, entices over 2.5 lakh visitors from around the world every year.
According to VDA officials, an 1800 metres long and 2.50 metres wide cycle track would be developed on the left side of the Ashapur-Sarnath road. “The tender process has already started and work of the pilot project is also expected to commence in the next two weeks. At present, only one cycle track will be developed while the work of identification of other places across the city is also underway,” VDA secretary, MP Singh said. The budget approved for this is Rs. 63 lakhs, he added.
A dedicated team of VDA staff will prepare a detailed project report (DPR) and team will survey areas across the city, where the scheme will help to reduce maximum congestion. “Since the city has got several serpentine lanes so construction of cycle lanes on them is not possible. After surveys, roads will be identified where this scheme can be easily implemented,” said Singh.
Also, to ensure that pedestrians, two-wheelers or four-wheelers do not use the cycle track, VDA authorities would install signboards specifying purpose of the track. As per the land availability, row of vegetation or a green belt might be put between the cycle track and roads to preserve environment and provide fresh air to travellers.
City residents have welcomed this move and seem to be excited about the project. “Cycling is a good exercise and will help in keeping fit so the residents have every reason to smile. Also, the problem of getting stuck in traffic snarl ups would be sought,” said Anuj, a college student.
Another resident, Pradeep Srivastava said, “It is a nice initiative of state government and with development of cycle tracks on other wide roads, more people would be encouraged to take up cycling.”
Notably, this project is a part of the state government’s Clean UP-Green UP agenda, wherein cycle tracks will be built in cities across the state to promote healthy mode of transport.