No Cycles on Metro 3 – Cyclists claim intolerance against riders
No Cycles on Metro 3 – Cyclists claim intolerance against riders
The 12.69-kilometre stretch amid JVLR Aarey and BKC, part of the larger 33.5-kilometre Colaba-Seepz-Aarey underground Metro was inaugurated on Monday. When Cyclists visited the BKC Metro station, they were told by security staff and ticket attendants that cycles were not permitted on the trains.
Meanwhile Mumbai’s cycling community has complained that cycles are not allowed on the trains operating on Metro 3 or the Aqua Line.
The 12.69-kilometre stretch amid JVLR Aarey and BKC, part of the larger 33.5-kilometre Colaba-Seepz-Aarey underground Metro was inaugurated on Monday. Cyclists who visited the BKC Metro station were told by security staff and ticket attendants that cycles were not permitted on the trains.
According to Cyclists they were confused by the rules because the elevated Line 2a connecting Dahisar and Andheri (West), which opened in 2022, allows cycles in the coaches. Incidentally, BKC, one of the important stations on the Aqua line, has most of Mumbai’s dedicated cycling lanes.
Shane Albuquerque, a cyclist from Andheri, said he has used the 2a line amidst long rides. He has carried the cycle amid Dahisar and Andheri to avoid the road traffic and the heat. The service is useful for cyclists. He fails to understand why cycles are not permitted on the Aqua line,” said Albuquerque who added that cycles were not permitted on Mumbai’s first Metro line between Ghatkopar and Versova. “Cyclists protested and when 2a line commenced operations cyclists were relieved to know that cycles are permitted on the line.”
One reason for the different rules is that three organisations run Mumbai’s four Metro lines. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the state government’s urban planning agency, operates Line 2a and Line 7 (Dahisar to Andheri East). Line 1 between Ghatkopar and Versova, which started operations in 2014, is managed by Mumbai Metro One, a joint venture between MMRDA and RInfra, a private company. The Aqua line is owned by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), a joint venture between the union and state governments.
As per MMRCL their coaches are not designed to carry cycles but added that they will try to add the facility when the entire route is commissioned next year. “The coaches are not designed to carry cycles, but once the entire line to Colaba is commissioned they will look at the possibility of accommodating cycles.
A cyclist called the restrictions ‘anti-cycle culture. “Cycles are important for last-mile connectivity, reduce vehicular pollution, and promote health. The restrictions are confusing and contradictory.
News Edit KV Raman
