Officials conduct field visit for bicycle track project in Udupi

Udupi: A 14km dedicated cycling track from Kaup to Padukere is planned under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, aimed at promoting sustainable and responsible tourism in Udupi district.
Udupi deputy commissioner Vidyakumari K said that a team of officials from the tourism department recently conducted a field visit to the proposed site as part of the detailed project report (DPR) preparations. "The DPR will be submitted by the state govt through an empanelled agency. In-principle approval for the project was obtained in March last year, and the process began around June-July. However, further approvals are still pending," she said.
Assistant director of the tourism department, Kumar CU, said that although the proposal received initial approval from the Centre, execution hinges on obtaining NOC from the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and other statutory clearances. The project is currently at the DPR stage, he added. The DC had presented the proposal before the central government under the eco-tourism concept.
A beachside cycling track along the picturesque stretch is expected to boost eco-tourism and offer tourists and locals a scenic, safe, and sustainable mode of exploration. The track will also encourage healthier lifestyle choices and reduce the carbon footprint, aligning with the broader goals of green mobility and environmentally conscious travel.
The Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme was launched by the ministry of tourism with the vision to develop tourism destinations holistically. Based on the ethos of ‘vocal for local', the scheme aims to achieve the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by focusing on sustainable infrastructure, tourism services, skill development, and destination management, supported by key policy and institutional reforms.