Chandigarh: Bicycle tracks in southern sectors to have ₹1.95-crore street lights
Chandigarh's Southern Cycle Tracks to Get ₹1.95 Crore in Street Lighting
Chandigarh is set to enhance the safety of its southern sectors by introducing a ₹1.95 crore street lighting initiative along its cycle tracks. This move addresses longstanding concerns about inadequate illumination in areas like Sector 39/56, 55/40, 54/41, 53/42, 52/43, 51/44, 50/45, 49/46, and 48/47, where cyclists and pedestrians often face dim lighting conditions, especially after dusk. The project aims to make these pathways safer and more accessible, supporting the city's vision for sustainable urban mobility.
Project Details and Timeline
The Chandigarh administration has taken significant steps to launch this initiative, with the engineering department issuing tenders on Friday. The deadline for submissions is June 26, and the contractor is expected to complete the installation within a four-month window. This structured timeline ensures that the project remains on track, while also allowing for quality checks and adjustments as needed. The total investment underscores the city's commitment to improving infrastructure for non-motorized transport.
The new lighting system will be integrated into existing cycle tracks, which span 200 kilometers across the city. These tracks were initially designed to provide a segregated, safe route for cyclists and pedestrians, but in southern regions, they often run parallel to broad roads, passing through shaded, low-traffic zones such as residential backyards, vacant lots, and wooded areas. These conditions have made the paths prone to darkness, creating opportunities for criminal activity and reducing overall safety.
Safety Concerns and Crime Statistics
Recent incidents highlight the urgency of this project. In March, a man walking home in Sector 56 was attacked by individuals who emerged from a vehicle, seizing his belongings before disappearing into the night. Similarly, last year, a passerby near Sector 39 was threatened by men wielding a toy pistol, emphasizing how poorly lit areas are exploited for criminal purposes. Police records indicate that such events are not isolated, with criminals systematically targeting locations marked by predictable vulnerabilities—such as dim lighting, sparse foot traffic, and access to escape routes toward Mohali and adjacent regions.
The Chandigarh Police have reported a surge in snatchings, particularly in the southern corridor. Within a single week earlier this month, four such incidents were recorded, with several falling under the jurisdiction of Sector 39 station. These cases underscore the importance of addressing the lighting deficit, as it has been a recurring issue in urban mobility planning. Many light poles are either missing, damaged, or obscured by vegetation, leaving large stretches of cycle tracks in darkness after sunset.
City officials have emphasized that the project aligns with broader efforts to prioritize eco-friendly transportation. By upgrading the lighting infrastructure, Chandigarh aims to create a more welcoming environment for cyclists and pedestrians, encouraging greater use of these pathways. This, in turn, could reduce traffic congestion and promote healthier lifestyles among residents. The initiative also reflects the city’s commitment to modernizing its public spaces and ensuring equitable access to safe, well-lit environments across all sectors.
The implementation of this project will not only improve safety but also enhance the overall experience of using cycle tracks. Well-placed street lights will reduce the risk of accidents, improve visibility for cyclists, and create a more secure atmosphere for pedestrians. Additionally, the project may serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges in urban planning and infrastructure development. By investing in these enhancements, Chandigarh is taking a proactive approach to fostering sustainable and inclusive urban mobility.