Diu, 4 August 2014

The inauguration of India’s first dedicated, world-class cycle track at Diu, was marked by a ‘Cycle Rally’ today. The Cycle Rally witnessed overwhelming participation by both tourists as well as local population. More than 300 cycling enthusiasts took part in the rally to promote green mobility, sustainable living, health and environmental sensitivity alongwith tourism in the island of Diu.

The cycle tracks were inaugurated on 3rd August 2014, by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Home Affairs in the presence of key authorities of the Administration of UT of Daman & Diu. The Cycle Rally held today is an important awareness initiative aimed at safeguarding the diverse and fragile ecosystem by promoting cycling in Diu.

The 4.3 km long cycle track was dedicated to the people and tourists of Diu on Sunday. It is the first-of-its-kind track in India and built up at a cost of Rs. 3 crore to provide eco-friendly means of transport within the city. The project has been completed with the technical support of Ahmedabad based non-profit organization, Centre for Green Mobility (CGM). CGM is providing hand holding and technical support for creating cycling infrastructure for the whole island of Diu.

The Diu cycling network has been designed & planned as per international standards. The track is separated from the main moving traffic to provide safety to the cyclists. The track has been prepared under phase I of the Rs. 32 crore project being undertaken by the UT administration of Daman & Diu to prepare 11.34 km long track. The track will give tourists an opportunity to enjoy the serenity of Diu in an ideal way. Similarly, the local people can also use it for daily commute, as the length of the entire island is around 13 kms only.

The Diu cycling network has been designed & planned as per international standards and national safety standards too.

Diu is one of the favorite tourist destinations on the coastal belt of Saurashtra and having 21-km long seashore. The first 4.2km length connects Malala Junction to Nagoa beach; the second phase, expected to be completed by the end of the current year, will provide a connection from Beotli Junction right up to Vanakbara Village, passing through the popular and beautiful beaches of Nagoa and Gomti. In its third phase, it is planned to connect old Fort and all other popular destinations of Diu including Chakratirth, Jallandar Beach, Naida Caves, St. Paul Church, Diu Museum, Fudam Church, etc. by cycle lanes on the existing beautiful roads.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Bhupinder S Bhalla, Administrator of UT of Daman & Diu, who flagged of the Cycle Rally, said “We are proud of having successfully created such world-class cycling infrastructure in Diu. The dedicated cycle tracks will give a great boost to tourism and environment in the city. Our objective is to transform Diu as an ecologically conscious tourist destination, and the dedicated cycle tracks are a significant step towards promoting green, environment friendly commuting. The aim is clear: to make Diu the cycling destination of India”.

Anuj Malhotra, Executive Director of Centre for Green Mobility said, “Diu has set an example for the Indian cities to help imbibe cycling culture and revive our traditional mobility. Such events will help make cycling popular in Diu. The cycle tracks match the best in the world and it for everyone to experience and enjoy them.”

Malhotra said: At present, the tourists are offered bike on rent, but in next two or three months good quality bicycles will also be offered. Hotel associations will come up with publicity literature for promotion of cycle track. About 50% part of the track will be coastal. Next plans involve tree plantation and construction of walkway.”