KOHIMA MAKES IT TO TOP 11 IN THE INDIA CYCLES4CHANGE

The Government of India awarded 11 cities with the prestigious title of being India’s Top 11 Cycling Pioneers. The Cycles for change Challenge was launched on 25th June 2020 for all the 100 Smart Cities and the capital cities of India. The award marks the start of the next stage of the first season of India Cycles4Change Challenge where 107 cities across the country come together to test, learn, and scale up different cycling-friendly initiatives, kick starting 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 will receive an award of Rs 1 crore each to scale up their cycling initiatives.

Kohima Smart City informed that through an online event held on 28th July 2021, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), 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 cities with a population of over 5 lakh.

The Kohima Smart City thanked all stakeholders and all citizens for their support and especially the Cycling community for the zeal and passion for cycling and the tireless efforts put into making the intervention possible in Kohima City. It stated that achievement goes to prove that Cycling is not only possible in a hilly city but a small city in North East India can also make it to the Top 11 cities among 107 cities who participated in the challenge.

The Top 11 Awardees: 

Bengaluru, Karnataka

Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana

Kohima, Nagaland

Nagpur, Maharashtra

New Town Kolkata, West Bengal

Pimpri Chinchwad, Maharashtra

Rajkot, Gujarat

Surat, Gujarat

Vadodara, Gujarat

Warangal, Telangana

                                                                                                (DIPR)