Warangal qualifies for Cycles 4 Change; Hyderabad listed as 'other cycling pioneer'

It was one of the 11 cities chosen for Rs 1 crore aid to improve cycling infrastructure, according to the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.

"Warangal went the extra mile to ensure diverse groups of citizens took to cycling, with something for everyone: Safe rallies for the elderly; cycling-themed events like drawing and essay competitions as well as kite festivals for children; tree planting and cleanliness drives for college students; slow cycle races and rangoli festivals for women. With cycle donation drives for the underprivileged, the city also made sure cycles reached everyone who needed them. Warangal is ensuring that every citizen—young, old, rich, and poor—is a part of the city's cycling journey," said the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.

Centre awarded 11 cities with the prestigious title of being India's Top 11 Cycling Pioneers. The award marks the start of the next stage of the first season of India Cycles 4 Change Challenge where 107 cities across the country came together to test, learn, and scale up different cycling-friendly initiatives, kickstarting India's cycling revolution.

From the top 25 cities that were shortlisted earlier this year, a jury of renowned national and international transport experts selected top 11 cities who shall receive an award of Rs 1 crore each to scale up their cycling initiatives.

Along with Warangal, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Kohima, Nagpur, New Town Kolkata, Pimpri Chinchwad, Rajkot, Surat, and Vadodara.

The cohort of the top 25 cities will advance to the next stage where they will embed the vision of a cycling-friendly city by adopting policies, setting up dedicated departments, and creating city-wide plans.

Hyderabad was listed as 'other cycling pioneer' and was recognized for setting up a Healthy Streets Committee.

"Hyderabad fostered a strong collaboration between the municipal corporation, the traffic police, and transport authorities at every step, from identifying pilot sites and mapping issues to developing design solutions. They tested a pop-up cycle lane using paints, bollards, and signages. Hyderabad now aims to institutionalize this collaboration by setting up a Healthy Streets Committee responsible for implementing a city-wide cycling network," said the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.