Mysuru: The dedicated bicycle track on Vishwamanava Double Road has been dismantled to facilitate ongoing white-topping work, triggering criticism from residents and cycling enthusiasts over the alleged waste of public money.

The removal has raised questions about the planning and coordination of civic infrastructure projects, particularly after the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) had invested ₹3.65 crore in developing 8.72 km of bicycle tracks at various locations across the city.

The controversy centres on the stretch between Kanakadasa Circle and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Circle, where cycling track markers and retro-reflective delineators had been installed to provide a designated space for cyclists.

Cycling track removed for road development

The bicycle track on Vishwamanava Double Road was developed to encourage cycling and promote environmentally friendly transport in Mysuru.

Retro-reflective delineators were installed along the stretch to separate the cycling space from motorised traffic and improve cyclist safety, particularly during night-time travel.

However, following the commencement of white-topping work after Dasara, Public Works Department (PWD) officials reportedly removed the delineators using JCB machines.

Residents have expressed concern that the removed materials have been left scattered along the roadside instead of being properly cleared. They have also pointed out that the nuts and bolts used to secure the delineators remain embedded in the road, creating inconvenience and potential hazards for motorists.

The removal has raised questions about whether the cycling infrastructure was adequately considered before the road improvement work began.

₹3.65 crore spent on bicycle tracks

The Mysuru City Corporation had developed a total of 8.72 km of bicycle tracks at different locations in the city at a cost of ₹3,65,60,000.

The initiative was intended to encourage residents to use bicycles for shorter journeys, reduce dependence on motor vehicles and promote sustainable urban transport.

The dedicated cycling track concept was first proposed in Mysuru in 2012. The plan involved reserving three to five feet of road space exclusively for cyclists and marking the designated lanes in yellow.

One of the first cycling tracks was developed in front of the Administrative Training Institute (ATI) on Lalitha Mahal Road.

The subsequent development of bicycle tracks was part of the city’s broader efforts to improve cycling infrastructure and provide safer conditions for non-motorised road users.

The removal of the Vishwamanava Double Road track has now raised concerns about the long-term maintenance and continuity of such projects.

Questions raised over white-topping decision

The ongoing white-topping work has also attracted criticism from former Mayor Shivakumar, who questioned the need to take up the project on Vishwamanava Double Road.

He reportedly stated that the road was already in good condition up to Dattagalli and questioned the decision to spend crores of rupees on an existing road while several damaged roads across Mysuru required urgent repairs.

The concerns have brought attention to the wider white-topping project being implemented across the city.

The State Government has taken up a ₹393.85-crore project to upgrade 12 major road stretches covering approximately 46.08 km. The project is intended to improve road durability and reduce recurring maintenance requirements.

However, the removal of existing cycling infrastructure during road development has prompted questions about whether different civic projects are being properly coordinated.

Trin Trin bicycle-sharing service also discontinued

The developments come at a time when Mysuru’s public bicycle-sharing initiative, Trin Trin, is also being discontinued from October 31, according to the report.

Introduced in June 2017, the Trin Trin system was launched to encourage people to adopt cycling as an affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transport.

The initiative provided public bicycle-sharing facilities at designated locations across the city and was intended to make cycling more accessible to residents and visitors.

The discontinuation of the service, along with the removal of the cycling track on Vishwamanava Double Road, has raised concerns among those who support green mobility initiatives in Mysuru.

Need for better planning and coordination

The issue has highlighted the importance of integrating cycling infrastructure into major road development projects rather than treating it as a separate facility.

As Mysuru continues to upgrade its road network, residents and cycling enthusiasts are seeking clarity on how dedicated cycling spaces will be protected and maintained.

The removal of the track has also renewed discussion about the need to consult cyclists and urban transport experts before implementing infrastructure changes.

With public money already invested in cycling facilities, questions remain about the future of the removed infrastructure and whether similar tracks will be retained or reconstructed as road works progress.