India’s First Solar Cycle Track Opened in Hyderabad

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 02-02-2024

State news 3 min read

India’s first solar cycle track opened in Hyderabad, inspired by a solar panel-covered cycle track in South Korea.

This Hyderabad solar cycle track’s exceptional design makes it the world’s second solar roof-covered cycle track. It stands out globally, with similar projects in Dubai and Switzerland following suit.

About Hyderabad Solar Cycle track

The construction of a sustainable solar roof cycling track is around Hyderabad's Outer Ring Road (ORR). The track is 23 Km long and has two lines.

The Pink line stretches from Nanakramguda to Telangana State Police Academy (TSPA), spanning 8.5 km, and the Blue line stretches from Narsingi hub to Kollur, spanning 14.5 km.
The track, featuring three dedicated lanes with protective barriers, prioritises cyclist safety.
It incorporates five access points with amenities like parking, food stalls, repair and rental stations, first aid facilities, rest areas, and advanced signaling systems.
Its solar roof, generating 16 MW of power, is a standout feature, illuminating thousands of streetlights and covering vast distances.
Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited (HGCL), a wing of Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), is implementing the plan inspired by such facilities in South Korea.
This innovation is set to save costs for HMDA, with a recovery period of six years for solar panels and 15 years for the overall project.

Significance

Beyond its environmental impact, the cycling track aims to offset carbon emissions and positions itself as the most environment friendly globally.

Strategic lighting allows 24x7, 365-day usage, with CCTV surveillance for security. Plans include bicycle rental agencies, health food, and retail kiosks, enriching the cycling experience.
The use of the roof for solar panels saves land and generates power, making the project naturally sustainable. Additionally, the roof provides protection from sun, rain, and pollution, as well as helps prevent accidents.