The Hindu : New Delhi News : Delhi Metro shows the way

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Thursday, Oct 18, 2007
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New Delhi

New Delhi

Delhi Metro shows the way

Staff Reporter

Photo: V. Sudershan

Ready, steady, go: Girls at Delhi Metro’s Vishwavidyalaya station on Wednesday.

NEW DELHI: The good old bicycle, an eco-friendly mode of transportation, is being revived in the Capital. And taking the lead in encouraging commuters to pedal their way to their destinations is the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

New scheme

DMRC on Wednesday initiated a scheme that allows commuters to hire bicycles to travel between metro stations and their destination. The scheme, started on a pilot basis at Vishwavidyalaya station of Delhi University, will be replicated at the other metro stations depending on the response.

“We have chosen the Vishwavidyalaya station to begin with. There were seven bicycles at the station today for the purpose of renting out, this number will gradually increase with time,” said DMRC Chief Public Relations Officer Anuj Dayal, adding, “This concept is quite popular abroad. It is being tried out by the Delhi Metro for the first time.”

About 40 bicycles can be parked at the stand and between 15 to 20 will be given out on rent by the operator. “At present there are two ladies’ and five gents’ bicycles available at the stand. The user will have to deposit a photo identity card or a driving licence or a voter identity card as security. Along with the bicycles, commuters will be given helmets,” Mr. Dayal said.

Charges

The charges for the facility will be Rs. 10 for four hours and bicycles can be borrowed between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.

“One attendant will be available at the stand for renting out the bicycles and collecting the parking charges for bicycle parking on behalf of the parking contractor. Parking fees will be payable only by the non-smart card users.” Explaining the intention behind the scheme, Mr. Dayal said: “ The use of bicycles will also reduce the traffic movement and pollution in the campus area.”

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