In an impressive step for sustainable development, Srinagar took the top position in e-bicycle usage among six major Indian cities as part of a Smart City program. This ensured that Bhopal, Ranchi and Surat, in addition to Kolkata and Prayagraj were below Srinagar in terms of e-bicycle usage; indeed the city has embraced green transport and is beginning to change the perception of cities toward greener and smarter city.
The app-based e-bicycle rental system started on May 20, 2023 and is a partnership between the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) and Chartered Bike, from Ahmedabad.
The system quickly became a lifeline for many of the daily commuters.
With a much lower cost, convenience and emission-free: this creates two large problems that any city has; traffic and air pollution.
This is also shown by the acceptance of e-bicycles in Srinagar as an indication that there is citizen preference toward sustainable forms of travel among citizens. E-bicycles as opposed to fuel-guzzling automobiles have a far lower carbon footprint and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Moreover, this city has beautiful views with a fairly compact urban structure which is perfect for cycling, beauty cascades on the visitor.
With neatly integrated digital booking systems and last-mile connectivity arrangements city transit options, Srinagar has essentially created a challenge to the other cities across the country.
High ridership numbers are not just stated as a cliché, evidence and data literally states if citizens are provided with green and accessible alternatives, they are more than willing to join the climate solution.
This should therefore set development into cycling infrastructure, dedicated cycling or bike lanes and bike parking areas, awareness campaigns for long term success, in order to create and maintain the momentum.
If maintained the model has the potential of changing urban transport in India- greatly reducing pollution, enhancing traffic congestion, and being the spring board for a new culture of exercise and sustainability.
While the wheels continue to turn in Srinagar, an impactful social statement is being projected from the name of the city- The future of urban mobility shall be green, smart and inclusive, this is the beginning of sustainable change and should be observed by other cities.
