Navi Mumbai to Enhance Cycling Infrastructure After Fatal Accident Raises Concerns

Navi Mumbai, 23rd March 2024: These additional cycle tracks will complement the existing ones in Vashi and Nerul. The Vashi track spans 2km from Sagar Vihar to the Sector 9 area, while in Nerul, it extends along the Palm Beach service road.

The tragic incident on February 28, where former Intel India country head Avtar Saini, 68, was fatally struck by a speeding cab while cycling along Palm Beach Road, highlighted the urgent need for dedicated cycle lanes in Navi Mumbai. His untimely death sparked an outcry among cycling enthusiasts who lamented the absence of safe cycling infrastructure.

Sanjay Desai, the NMMC city engineer, emphasized that the upcoming tracks will provide cyclists with a secure space, reducing the risk of collisions and road accidents. These tracks aim to promote cycling as a healthy lifestyle choice and encourage more people to adopt it.

The new tracks, ranging from 2 to 8km in length, will feature yellow and blue stripes for visibility and safety. They are planned along key routes such as the Airoli-Ghansoli road, DAV School to Sectors 14 and 15 in Airoli, Patni road to Ichchha Purti Ganesh temple, and Jewel of Navi Mumbai Garden in Nerul.

Additionally, a 9km cycle track will be established along the entire service road of Palm Beach Road, while a 4.2km track from Ramabai Nagar residential Colony to Kharghar Raintree hill area is also in the pipeline.

Desai affirmed NMMC’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly and healthy living through cycling initiatives, with over 40km of new cycle tracks slated for completion in the coming months. Efforts are underway to expedite the construction process to ensure their timely availability to the public.