Hyderabad’s sustainable cycling track near ORR to usher in wheels of change

A first-of-its kind new solar-roof cycling track is coming up near ORR in Hyderabad. It is being built by KMV Projects Limited

Most of us like to cycle for fitness, as a hobby, or to commute but the risk of pollution, traffic and getting hit by passing vehicles makes us opt for other means of transport. There are however, signs of change in Hyderabad as people get ready to cycle, provided it is in a safer environment.

Pushing cycling as a sustainable lifestyle is Healthway, a first-of-its-kind sustainable solar roof cycling track near Hyderabad’s Outer Ring Road (ORR). Work on the 23-kilometre environment-friendly fully-lit track is on at a brisk pace to meet the inauguration deadline. “August 15 is the date given by KTR garu (Urban development minister KT Rama Rao) but the work was halted due to the recent rain . We are putting in our best effort,” says Prudhvi Ram Kanakamedala director of KMV Projects Limited that is building this green track.

The three-lane track has two stretches — 8.5 kilometres from Nanakramguda to Telangana State Police Academy (TSPA) and 14.5 kilometres from Kollur to Narsingi— converging at Narsingi Junction. The team researched two-lane tracks in Amsterdam, South Korea, and Dubai to arrive at a design with three lanes. The additional small space is meant to add value by giving space to organise activities like Cyclothons.

The four access points at Nanakramguda, Narsingi, TSPA and Kollur allow cyclists to enter and exit the track from most parts of the city at leisure and ride amid greenery.

The cycling stretch, says Prudhvi is only inspired by the South Korean bike highway with solar panels and has not replicated it. “The track in South Korea is mainly targeted towards solar power generation but our focus is to ensure a better experience for cyclists and solar roofs are only an added advantage. The track in South Korea lacks amenities ” points out Prudhvi standing on a ground that boasts of a a six coat protective layer of acrylic polyurethane that is weather, water and oil resistant and dries faster, has a better grip and also reduces the impact of a fall. .

Among the five amenity points planned with car parking, cycle repair and rentals and food trucks, two amenity points will open at Narsingi and TSPA during the inauguration. A team of 800, including construction workers, architects, engineers and consultants, have been working on the project since October.