KTR opens 23-km solar roof bicycle track in Hyderabad, says it checks lifestyle diseases

HYDERABAD: Non-motorized transport should be encouraged to increase physical mobility in order to prevent lifestyle diseases, said IT and MA&UD Minister KT Rama Rao on the occasion of the opening of India's first Solar Roof Cycling Track on Sunday.

KTR said after the 23-kilometer Solar Roof Cycling Track was inaugurated, "Lifestyle diseases are increasing because we are more focused on using our own cars and with everyone at home owning a car, which is decreasing active mobility. To address this, we must encourage active mobility by constructing such infrastructure and that's why we build this 23-km cycling track to encourage cyclists.

"While there are many cycling tracks around the globe, the Hyderabad cycling track is unique in its design and conception. After South Korea's, this cycling track with solar roof in India is the world's only second solar roof covered cycle track. Similar tracks are being constructed in Dubai and Switzerland. Since it has three defined lanes and is sheltered on both sides, it is completely safe for cyclists. With this kind of infrastructure, Hyderabad should become the cycling capital of India. The largest cycling events in India should be held in Hyderabad," he said.

KTR while elaborating the unique features of the cycling track said, "It has five access points that provide amenities such as car & bicycle parking, food stalls, cycle repair & rental stations, first aid stations, rest areas, state of the art signalling to promote health initiatives across a range of people. It has a solar roof that produces 16 MW of power. (This amounts to 32000 street lights or 800 kilometres of street lighting) and would otherwise require 52 acres of land to generate 16 Megawatt."

Starting October 2, 2023, the 23-km Pink and Blue lines would be open 24/7, 365 days. The Pink line spans 8.5 km from Nanakramguda to Telangana State Police Academy(TSPA), while the Blue line spans 14.5 km from Narsingi to Kollur, KTR said.

Hyderabad Solar cycling track would be most sustainable cycling track in the world

The minister said, "The power generated would save HMDA money on power expenses, and the cost of the solar panels would be recouped in six years, with the whole project repayable in 15 years. In the long run, this would generate renewable energy to offset carbon emissions while also being the most sustainable cycling track in the world. This initiative would help Hyderabad achieve its goal of being the world's first carbon-neutral metropolis by 2040."

As many as 16, 000 solar panels were installed in 18 days, setting a new industry record. The lighting was strategically placed to give value to the cityscape while also allowing bicycles to use the track 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The track's CCTV cameras were linked to the Cyberabad police command centre for 24-hour monitoring. Several bicycle rental firms would be finalised in the coming weeks. To provide a pleasant, wholesome experience, health food and retail kiosks would be placed up near the cycling track.

KMV Projects was granted a five-year operation and maintenance contract as part of the tender to assure full power delivery and thorough care of the track and amenities.

In addition, as part of Phase 2, the government intends to add more sporting amenities like skating rinks, tennis courts, badminton courts, sporting stores, and more at the Narsingi hub, making it a one-of-a-kind sporting experience in India, said KTR.

KTR urged Hyderabad Cyclists Group to set a new world record with 3,000 cyclists on the newly constructed World Class Solar Roof Cycling Track in 2024.