Mysuru: In a move aimed at promoting sustainable mobility and community engagement, Mysore City Corporation (MCC) has declared Devaraj Urs Road vehicle-free on every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 6 am to 9 am. The initiative was formally launched on Sunday morning, transforming the busy commercial stretch into a vibrant public space for citizens’ activities.
The three-hour vehicle-free window is intended to encourage healthier lifestyles, eco-friendly commuting and inclusive use of urban spaces. Officials said the concept is inspired by German mobility culture, which promotes the idea that “the road belongs to all.”
Part of SUM-ACA project
Mysuru has been selected under the Sustainable Urban Mobility – Air Quality, Climate Action, Accessibility (SUM-ACA) project, a collaborative initiative between the German development agency GIZ and India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The project aims to support Indian cities in developing climate-friendly, low-emission and accessible transport systems.
As part of this initiative, MCC has partnered with GIZ India and ESAF to roll out the vehicle-free Sundays on Devaraj Urs Road. The civic body is also observing Bicycle Day on these Sundays, encouraging residents to reach the venue by cycling, skating or using other eco-friendly modes of transport.
Officials said the initiative is designed not only to reduce vehicular emissions but also to reclaim urban roads as shared community spaces.
Launch event draws 350 participants
MCC Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Sait inaugurated the programme by cycling from his residence to Devaraj Urs Road on Sunday morning. Mysuru Regional Commissioner Nitesh Patil also participated in the launch.
Around 350 residents turned up to take part in a range of recreational and cultural activities. The stretch witnessed yoga sessions, zumba and aerobics classes, rope pulling, cycling, skating, shuttlecock games and even traditional activities like snake and ladder. Competitions such as watercolour painting and road rangoli added colour to the morning event.
Officials said that henceforth, a stage will be set up during vehicle-free hours to provide a platform for students and youth from schools and colleges to showcase their talents. Music bands, cultural performances, singing and dance programmes are expected to be part of the regular schedule.
Recognising cleanliness champions
The event also served as an occasion to honour individuals and institutions contributing to Mysuru’s cleanliness and sustainability efforts. MCC felicitated Paurakarmikas — the city’s sanitation workers — for their consistent efforts in maintaining hygiene and cleanliness.
Swachhata Champion awards were presented to Rama Amarnath, Mubharak and Vikas for processing organic manure from wet waste and promoting terrace gardening. Team Mysuru was recognised for nurturing 6,800 trees across the city.
Dr Bharath Kumar was honoured for collecting and processing around 30,000 used toothbrushes, while NGO Santrupthi was recognised for ensuring surplus food from hotels and functions is distributed to the needy.
The NSS team led by Pruthvi and the NCC team of Yuvaraja’s College led by Anil Kumar Ramaiah were honoured for their role in Swachhata Shramadaana drives.
Swachh Office awards were presented to the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.
In the healthcare category, Swachh Hospital awards went to Jayadeva Hospital, BGS Apollo Hospital and Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital. The KSRTC Suburban Bus Stand and Mysuru City Railway Station received Swachh Transport Centre awards, while auto stands at the Railway Station and Jai Karnataka Auto Stand at Gayathripuram were recognised for cleanliness.
In the hospitality and education categories, Hotel Dakshina Paaka and Southern Star, along with PM Shri Upgraded Government Higher Primary School, Vanitha Sadhana, CKC Convent and Nirmala Convent, were honoured.
Cleanliness ambassadors of MCC, Vasishta Simha, Haripriya, Arun Yogiraj and Sooraj Singh distributed the awards.
Towards a healthier Mysuru
Officials emphasised that the vehicle-free initiative is a step towards making Mysuru healthier, more inclusive and environmentally sustainable. By reducing traffic congestion and emissions during the designated hours, MCC hopes to promote awareness about alternative mobility options and public participation in urban life.
If the initiative receives continued public support, authorities may consider expanding similar programmes to other parts of the city. For now, Devaraj Urs Road will serve as a symbol of Mysuru’s shift towards people-centric urban planning, where streets are not just for vehicles but for community interaction and shared experiences.