Green Commuting: India’s First Solar Roof Cycling Track Opens to the Public
Hyderabad : Marking a momentous stride towards a greener urban transportation landscape, the inauguration of the nation’s inaugural solar roof cycling track took place in the presence of Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Minister KT Rama Rao on Sunday. Aptly christened “Healthway,” this pioneering track signifies a remarkable advancement in sustainable infrastructure. Notably, it stands as only the second of its kind on a global scale, underlining its significance as a testament to the nation’s commitment to environmentally responsible urban development. Special Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar-IAS was also present on this occasion, who executed this work with full dedication.
The Hyderabad Cycling Track, which had its inception in August 2022 following a tweet about a solar panel-covered cycle track in South Korea, has achieved a remarkable feat. In just one year, it has transformed into a 23-kilometer cycling paradise. Starting from October 2nd, this extensive 23 km track, offering a 46 km round trip, is open for cyclists 24X7, 365 days a year. Divided into two lines, the Pink line spans 8.5 km from Nanakramguda to TSPA, while the Blue line stretches 14.5 km from Narsinghi hub to Kollur. What makes the Hyderabad Cycling Track truly exceptional is its innovative design and concept. It is the world’s second solar roof-covered cycle track, with similar projects underway in Dubai and Switzerland.
This pioneering initiative is also India’s first of its kind, boasting three dedicated lanes and complete protection for cyclists. It features five access points with amenities such as parking, food stalls, repair stations, first aid, rest areas, and state-of-the-art signaling to promote public health. The solar roof covering the track generates an impressive 16 MW of power, equivalent to powering 32,000 street lights or lighting 800 km of streets. Notably, it would otherwise require 52 acres of land to generate this amount of power. This sustainable energy generation not only reduces costs for the HMDA but also sets the track on a path to becoming the most eco-friendly cycling track globally. The installation of 16,000 solar panels in just 18 days marked a new record in the industry.
The track’s aesthetic lighting enhances the cityscape and enables round-the-clock cycling. CCTV surveillance is connected to the Cyberabad police command center for 24X7 monitoring. Plans are underway to finalize multiple bicycle rental agencies and introduce health food and retail kiosks, creating a holistic experience. KMV Projects will oversee the track’s operation and maintenance for five years as part of the project tender. Looking ahead, the government aims to add more sporting amenities in Phase 2, including skating rinks, tennis courts, badminton courts, and sporting retail, making it a unique sporting destination in India.
Special recognition goes to the dedicated cycling enthusiasts, Hyderabad Cycling Revolution (HCR), Hyderabad Cyclists Group (HCG), Selvan Santhana, Ravi of Active Mobility, and Ravindra Nanduri, who have tirelessly promoted active mobility. The project is made possible with the invaluable partnership of Prudhvi from the KMV Group. The Hyderabad Cyclists Group’s ambitious endeavor to set a Guinness World Record with 3000 cyclists on this world-class Solar Roof Cycling Track in 2024 exemplifies the city’s enthusiasm for cycling.
 Minister KT Rama Rao on Sunday.){kind=link}