Chandigarh's Public Bike Sharing (PBS) scheme, once launched as a pan-city initiative to ease congestion, is now struggling to stay afloat. Vandalism of bicycles and docking stations, theft of cycles and equipment, poor maintenance and low ridership are among the major challenges facing the project.
The scheme, launched in 2020 under the Smart City Mission in public-private partnership (PPP) mode, is now in poor condition. Broken bicycles, damaged docking stations, uneven flooring and overgrown grass at several locations are discouraging people from using the service.
What Went Wrong with Chandigarh's Bike Sharing Project
The problems are visible across the city. Damaged infrastructure and neglected stations have turned what was meant to be a convenient transport option into an unreliable service. Riders face broken cycles and malfunctioning docking points, making the system frustrating to use.
According to PPP in India, the project was designed to address increased congestion in the city, which had 878 vehicles per 100 people. The bike-sharing system was meant to offer a cleaner, more efficient alternative for short trips.
Management Handover and Penalties on Operator
The project's management has changed hands recently. After the closure of Chandigarh Smart City Limited (CSCL) in March 2025, the operation of the project was handed over to the Municipal Corporation (MC).
The MC has imposed penalties multiple times on the operator, Smart Bike Tech Private Limited, for failing to adhere to the terms and conditions of the agreement. Despite these penalties, the service quality has not improved significantly.
According to Hindustan Times, the public bike-sharing system in the Chandigarh tricity area needs urgent attention to get back on track. The scheme, which was meant to promote sustainable urban transport, has lost its appeal among residents.
Vandalism and Theft Hit the System Hard
Vandalism and theft have been persistent problems since the system was rolled out. Bicycles have been stolen and taken home, while docking stations have been damaged. This has added to the operational costs and reduced the number of available cycles for genuine users.
According to Indian Express, the public bike-sharing system has been hit by vandalism and thievery ever since it was rolled out across the city. These incidents have made it harder for the operator to maintain a reliable fleet.
Low Ridership and Poor Maintenance Discourage Users
The combination of poor maintenance and low ridership has created a downward spiral. When stations are not maintained, fewer people use the service. When ridership drops, there is less incentive to invest in repairs and upkeep.
According to Planet Custodian, vandalism continues to vex the public bike-sharing cycle project in Chandigarh. The recurring damage to cycles and infrastructure has made it difficult to keep the system operational.
Residents have also shared their views on what should be done to improve the project. According to The Tribune, an open house discussion was held to gather suggestions on improving the public bike-sharing project in Chandigarh. The feedback highlighted the need for better maintenance and stricter action against vandalism.
Our Take: A Good Idea Needs Better Execution
To put it plainly, Chandigarh's bike-sharing scheme was a good idea that has been poorly executed. The concept of affordable, eco-friendly public transport is exactly what a city with high vehicle density needs. But a system that is broken, dirty and unreliable will never attract users.
The Municipal Corporation must take a firmer approach. Penalties alone are not working. The operator needs clear deadlines for repairs and upgrades, and the MC must enforce them strictly. At the same time, the city needs a public awareness campaign to stop vandalism and theft. Without community support, even the best-run bike-sharing system will fail.
The question now is whether the MC can revive this project or whether it will continue to lose its sheen. For the sake of sustainable urban transport in Chandigarh, we hope the authorities act quickly and decisively.
Sources & References
- PPP in India — Public Bike Sharing System in Chandigarh
- Hindustan Times — Public Bike Sharing System Needs Attention
- Indian Express — Vandalism Hits Chandigarh's Public Bike Sharing System
- Planet Custodian — Vandalism Vexes Chandigarh's Public Bike Sharing Project
- The Tribune — Open House on Improving Public Bike Sharing Project
