Chandigarh (Rajeev Sharma): A project initially hailed as a model of sustainable transport, the Chandigarh Smart City Public Bicycle Sharing Project, has faced significant criticism due to allegations of mismanagement and wasteful expenditure. Bicycles purchased under the ₹30-crore initiative are now lying abandoned and rusting in dumps across the city, with several docking stations standing empty and non-functional.
Launched with the aim of promoting eco-friendly commuting and reducing pollution, the project initially promised 5,000 bicycles and over 600 docking stations across the city. However, the reality paints a dismal picture. According to reports, usage has plummeted sharply from nearly 2,000 daily rides to fewer than 500.
Technical failures, poor maintenance, and vandalism have crippled the system. In some sectors, bicycles were reportedly stolen or damaged, while many docking stations remain inactive due to software and hardware malfunctions. Residents complain that the app frequently malfunctions and the locking systems often fail to release bikes.
“Most of the bicycles are in poor condition, and several docking stations are not in convenient locations. It’s frustrating when public money is wasted on projects that lack proper upkeep,” said Harjinder Singh a Chandigarh resident.
Chandigarh Smart City Limited (CSCL) had earlier issued a show-cause notice to the project operator over contractual violations and failure to maintain quality standards. Despite these warnings, the project continues to deteriorate, with many bicycles left unused for months.
Officials admit that in several southern sectors, some docking stations have not recorded a single ride in over 90 days. Meanwhile, the administration is now considering a complete audit of the project to evaluate its viability and determine accountability.
Environmentalists and civic activists argue that the failed project underscores deeper flaws in planning and execution under the Smart City Mission.
“Instead of serving as a model for green mobility, it has turned into a symbol of bureaucratic negligence,” said a local urban planner.
The Chandigarh Smart City cycle initiative, once envisioned as a green revolution on two wheels, now lies in ruins highlighting how lack of foresight and maintenance can turn a promising idea into a costly burden for taxpayers.
