The Government of India 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 Cycles4Change 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 the top 11 cities who shall receive an award of Rs 1 crore each to scale up their cycling initiatives. During the event, four cities received a special mention for their efforts in testing the pilot initiatives as part of the challenge. The top cities are Bengaluru, Karnataka, Bhubaneshwar, Oddisa; Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana; Kohima, Nagaland; Nagpur, Maharashtra; New Town Kolkata, West Bengal; Pimpri Chinchwad, Maharashtra; Rajkot, Gujarat; Surat, Gujarat; Vadodara Gujarat and Warangal Telangana.
Through an online event, the Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Mr. Durga Shanker Mishra announced the top 11 winning cities. The event was attended by officials from Central and State Governments, and other stakeholders from all cities participating in India Cycles4Change Challenge. The event also marked the release of the first Challenge report, and an online exhibition showcasing cities’ cycling journey. The Ministry also announced the second season of the Challenge beginning in August, 2021, wherein fresh applications will be invited from all smart cities, capital cities of states/UTs and all cities that have an established Municipal Corporation.
The India Cycles4Change Challenge launched its first report to the public—’The Dawn of India’s Cycling Revolution’. The report is a celebration of the cities’ efforts in the Challenge so far, and an indication of what’s to come in the future. It documents key milestones achieved by the cities, lessons from on-ground tests, and their plans for the coming year.