Shillong, Aug 12: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and fitness icon Milind Soman on Tuesday launched the Shillong’s First Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) System in the city.
According to the chief minister, PBSS reflects the broader goals of the Shillong Urban Mobility Policy to promote sustainable urban mobility towards a healthier and fitter Meghalaya.
The chief minister also took a short ride to Police Bazar (Khyndailad) to start the project.
“The Shillong Urban Mobility Policy (2024) aims for 35% Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) and today, we are pedaling towards a greener and healthier future. With over 20 electric bicycle launched, I encourage our residents to take part in the initiative. Let’s make Shillong a walking and cycling city!, the CM said.
This initiative is supported by the Indo-German Development Cooperation’s project “Sustainable Urban Mobility: Air Quality, Climate Action, and Accessibility” (SUM-ACA). The project is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The chief minister said, “The event is driven by a commitment to meaningfully benefit the city, its citizens, and tourists, rather than being a superficial effort. It is a part of a broader thought process and a larger goal, necessitating a comprehensive and inclusive policy to address various aspects of urban mobility”. He highlighted Shillong has the potential to become a “walkable city”, noting that 80% of locations could be accessed without vehicles and proper walking infrastructure, such as dedicated pathways, were in place.
To support this vision, the chief minister outlined the development of NMT policy, which includes measures like a parking policy to reduce roadside parking and free up space for pedestrians.
The chief minister also spoke of a Rs.45 crore project to revamp Ward’s Lake, including its bridge and overall aesthetic, alongside road expansion efforts. He stressed the need for collective effort and tough decisions, seeking cooperation from citizens to achieve these goals. He noted the successful relocation of street vendors as a step toward beautifying Shillong and advancing the goal of promoting non-motorized transport.
Reiterating his commitment to active mobility, he promoted the “Walk to Work on Wednesday” (WWW) initiative, launched in 2019, but acknowledged that one-off programs are insufficient, calling for sustained efforts. He commended the Urban Affairs Department, GIZ members, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for their contributions to making this vision a reality.
Commissioner & Secretary of the Urban Affairs Department, D Vijay Kumar stated that in 2022, inspired by the vision of the chief minister, the ‘Reimagining Streets’ programme was launched. He informed that state government aims at declaring Shillong as India’s NMT capital. Shillong’s unique topography makes non-motorised activities like walking and cycling highly feasible, promoting better health and fitness.
To make Shillong walking- and cycling-friendly, the state government is redesigning junctions and public spaces and improving hawking markets in the capital, particularly in New Shillong. He emphasized that the launch of the Public Bicycle Sharing system is another step toward achieving the NMT vision.
The PBS system makes electric cycles available for short-term public use through a docking station at the SMB Parking Lot (opposite SBI Main Branch), Shillong. Users can rent a cycle for a short trip or a day and return it to the docking point, making it a flexible, affordable, and eco-friendly mode of transport. In its pilot phase, 20 electric bicycles have been deployed, with plans for city-wide expansion based on public response and demand.
Benefits of the PBS System for Shillong:
Affordable Mobility: Cost-effective option for short commutes and sightseeing.
Time Savings: Helps reduce traffic congestion on Shillong’s narrow roads.
Sustainable Transport: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution.
Inclusive Access: E-cycles make riding easier for all age groups and fitness levels.
Reduced Parking Pressure: Promotes shared mobility, lowering the demand for car parking in the city centre.
The initiative is part of a broader plan to develop integrated mobility solutions in Shillong, improving public bus services through a commuter app, making streets more walkable, and creating safe routes for school children. These efforts aim to reduce transport emissions, enhance safety and health, and build long-term capacity for sustainable, people-friendly transport.
The launch concluded with chief minister, senior officials and others taking part in a cycling rally, riding through some of Shillong’s most iconic landmarks.
