Environmentalist Erik Solheim applauds KTR for building solar-roof cycling track in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: Erik Solheim, a well-known environmentalist, lauded MA&UD Minister KT Rama Rao for constructing a solar roof cycling track near Hyderabad's Outer Ring Road just a few months after tweeting a photo of a similar track in Korea.

Former executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and founder of the Green Belt and Road Institute, who undertook a trail run at the cycling track with Special Chief Secretary of the MA&UD department Arvind Kumar, took to X to admire the unique track and minister KTR.

Erik Solheim tweeted, "Wonderful! Hyderabad Solar Roof Cycling Track Telangana's dynamic leader, @KTRBRS, saw a tweet I made showcasing such a track in Korea. He asked people if this could be done in India. In the next few days, the tracks will open. So glad to try to run with @arvindkumar_ias."

In response to Erik's tweet, KTR wrote, "Many thanks Erik. I'm looking forward to the formal inauguration in about a week."

The 23-km three-lane track, set to be inaugurated soon, would connect Nanakramguda to Telangana State Police Academy and Kollur to Narsingi.

The track offers various amenities such as parking, surveillance cameras, bicycle docking and rental stations, food courts, drinking water, restrooms, and basic bicycle repair shops.

Solar roof panels at the track not only shield cyclists from weather conditions but also provide them with a safe escape from main traffic, thereby promoting clean energy production.