Shillong, August 12, 2025: Meghalaya’s hill capital has rolled out its first-ever Public Electric Bicycle Sharing (PBS) System—Ride Shillong—with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and fitness icon Milind Soman leading the charge in a spirited cycling rally. The launch, backed by Indo-German cooperation under the SUM-ACA project, marks the beginning of a bigger push toward sustainable mobility.

A Pedal Forward for Ride Shillong

The pilot phase has introduced 20 e-bikes stationed at the SMB Parking Lot, opposite the SBI Main Branch. Users can unlock the bikes via the Ride Shillong mobile app, paying a refundable ₹50 deposit and ₹10 for each additional hour of use. Helmets and designated parking are recommended to ensure safety.

Why It Matters

Officials say the system is designed for Shillong’s unique hilly terrain, offering a convenient alternative for short commutes and reducing reliance on cars. The benefits are many:

• Affordable travel for short rides and sightseeing.
• Reduced traffic congestion in narrow city lanes.
• Cleaner air by cutting local emissions.
• Inclusive mobility, making cycling accessible to all ages.
• Better planning with data-driven mobility solutions.

The initiative falls under the Shillong Urban Mobility Policy 2024, which targets 35% of city travel through non-motorised transport (NMT) such as walking and cycling.

Beyond the Pilot: Shillong’s Bigger Vision

Ride Shillong is just the first step. The broader plan includes:

• Pedestrian-only zones: From August 13, 2025, the stretch from Khyndailad (Police Bazar) to Umsohsun will be vehicle-free daily from 4–9 PM.
• Ward’s Lake Revamp: A ₹45-crore project to improve public spaces and walkability.
• Bus service upgrades: Smart apps and integrated ticketing systems.
• Walk to Work Wednesdays: A campaign to promote greener, healthier routines.

With these initiatives, the city is positioning itself as India’s Non-Motorised Transport Capital.

What Leaders Said on Ride Shillong

Chief Minister Conrad K Sagma said the e-bike system will make cycling more practical in Shillong: “E-bikes suit our terrain, making cycling easy and accessible for everyone. This is the start of a long-term mobility transformation.”

Fitness icon Milind Soman, who joined the rally, added: “This isn’t just about cycling—it’s about reclaiming our cities, breathing cleaner air, and building healthier lifestyles.”

The Road Ahead

The success of Ride Shillong will depend on public response. More e-bikes and docking stations are planned if demand rises. However, challenges such as theft prevention, safety infrastructure, and monsoon resilience remain.

For now, Shillong has set the wheels of change in motion—showing how Indian cities can rethink urban life, one pedal at a time.