Hyderabad opens country’s 1st rooftop solar-powered cycling track, check PICs

New Delhi: Hyderabad’s Minister of Municipal Administration and Urban Development, K Tarakarama Rao, opened the country’s first cycling track powered entirely by solar energy on October 1.

Municipal Admin Minister @KTRBRS speaking after launching HealthWay – India’s first solar cycling track https://t.co/pyNQTbQ0L5

— Minister for IT, Industries, MA & UD, Telangana (@MinisterKTR) October 1, 2023

The globally inspired 23-kilometre-long cycling track with two lines is now accessible around the clock. The 8.5-kilometre pink line connects Nanakramguda with Telangana State Police Academy Circle. The second is the 14.5-kilometre blue line that extends from the Narsingi hub to Kollur.

The path is 4.5 metres wide with three separate bike lanes and grassy areas on each side. There are 16,000 solar panels, with an installed capacity of 16 MW, covering the roof of the track over 21 of the 23 kilometres.

The energy produced, according to Rao, will reduce the cost of electricity for the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority. With 16 MW, enough light may be provided for 32,000 street lights or 800 km of streets.

Hyderabad’s new 23-km solar cycling track is a game-changer, thanks to the hard work of HGCL, @HMDA_Gov, and the entire engineering team. Minister @KTRBRS, your vision and dedication have given India its first solar cycling track, setting a remarkable example for sustainable… https://t.co/Xvh0wRzBCB pic.twitter.com/3mLpUBZGsa

— Sparsha (@Sparsha_9) October 2, 2023

If this electricity were to be generated on conventional land, 52 acres would be needed. He also said that the investment in solar panels will pay off in around six years.

The stations may be found in the following areas: Nanakramguda, TSPA Junction, Narsingi, Kollur Junction, and Vattinagulapally. Parking for cars and bicycles, food stands, bicycle repair stations, bicycle rental stations, first aid stations, rest spaces, and cutting-edge signalling technology are just some of the services that will be provided at these access points and stations.

🚴”My compliments to HGCL, @HMDA_Gov and entire engineering team for making Hyderabad Solar Cycling Track a reality.”: Minister @KTRBRS

Municipal Administration Minister KTR launched HealthWay – India’s first solar cycling track in #Hyderabad today.

23-km-long world-class… pic.twitter.com/hQmRP84tuv

— Minister for IT, Industries, MA & UD, Telangana (@MinisterKTR) October 1, 2023

Multiple bicycle rental agencies are planned to encourage those who don’t own bikes to start riding, and plans for health, food, and retail kiosks have been finalised to provide riders with a well-rounded experience.

The track’s lights are strategically placed to illuminate the path at night while also making the cityscape more visually appealing.

CCTVs have been installed along the route and are linked to the Cyberabad Police control room for round-the-clock surveillance.

During his speech, the Minister also announced plans to expand bike infrastructure in the downtown region, the Neopolis neighbourhood, and the brand-new Budvel cluster.

In addition, the government plans to add other sports facilities, including skating rinks, tennis, badminton courts, etc., to the Narsingi Centre shortly. The second stage of the strategy will include this.