India’s first solar roof cycling track opens in Hyderabad
Image credit: Telangana Today
Hyderabad has taken a significant step towards an environmentally sustainable future in urban transportation with the inauguration of the country’s first solar roof cycling track. The track, named Healthway, is located on the Outer Ring Road (ORR) between the main carriageway and service road, and is open 24/7.
The track is a three-lane path that is 4.5 meters wide, with one meter of green space on either side. It has two stretches: a pink line of 8.5 km from Nanakramguda to Telangana State Police Academy, and a blue line of 14.5 km from Kollur to Narsingi. The two stretches converge at Narsingi Junction with five different access points.
The track is covered by solar roof panels, which will generate 16 megawatts (MW) of power. This power will be used to light up the track at night and may also be used to fulfill some other power requirements of the ORR.
The track is expected to become a prime hangout with facilities like ample parking space, surveillance cameras, food courts, drinking water, first aid, restrooms, bicycle repair shops, cycle docking and rental stations, and other services.
Speaking at the inauguration of the track, Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Minister KT Rama Rao said that the track is a viable and self-sustaining project. He also revealed plans to set up similar tracks around the Gandipet Lake, and in Financial District and Neopolis areas.
“The main goal here is to get our kids enthused about cycling and mobility so that they do not have any lifestyle-related illness in the future,” he said.
The solar roof panels will protect cyclists from the sun, rain, and other weather conditions, and will also isolate them from main traffic on the roads, enhancing safety.
The idea of building this track came when the MA&UD Minister spotted a tweet by noted environmentalist Erik Solheim that showcased the cycling track in South Korea between Daejeon and Sejong.
The inauguration of India’s first solar roof cycling track is a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards sustainable urban transportation. The track is expected to encourage more people to cycle, which will have a positive impact on air quality and public health. It is also a valuable example of how solar energy can be used to power innovative infrastructure projects.
