Cycle-sharing in varsities shortly

Tirupati: The cycle-sharing project will become reality at various varsities in pilgrim city from next academic year onwards. A year ago, the Municipal Corporation of Tirupati (MCT) came up with an idea of introducing cycle-sharing in universities. After overcoming technical hurdles, the civic body handed over the project to a leading cycle manufacturing company, as part of the smart city development.

The Ministry of Urban Development had issued guidelines to spend funds towards eco-friendly projects in order to conserve the nature and encourage residents to use public transport system. According to sources in the Municipal Engineering department, a total of 2,000 bicycles will be handed over soon to SVU, SVVU, SPMVV, RSVP and Vedic varsity.

Three days ago, representatives of the contract awarded company had brought few cycles and gave them to engineering students of the SVU to know their experience. Cycles are fitted with the GPS to find the exact location. One can use cycles locked in parking areas by opening locks with smart cards. A nominal fee will be charged every month for using cycles. The money collected will be used for maintenance of cycle-sharing project.

Meanwhile, the MCT prepared a plan to supply cycles to various varsities based on the geographical area, distance between the departments inside the campus and strength of students. Once cycle-sharing project commences, bikes and cars will not be allowed inside the varsity campuses. For effective implementation of the project, a joint coordination committee was formed with civic body and varsities' officials.

Speaking to The Hans India, Municipal Engineer-2 Sheik Rahamath Jani stated cycle-sharing project was envisaged to reduce the carbon emissions in Tirupati. He gave credit to Municipal Commissioner Vijaya Rama Raju for introducing cycle-sharing project.