India’s first solar roof cycle track to be thrown open in Hyderabad on Aug 15

India’s first-ever bicycle track with a solar roof in Hyderabad, Telangana, is all set to be inaugurated on August 15, the Independence Day. Built by Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited, this 23-kilometre-long track has two stretches.

The one between Nanakramguda and Telangana State Police Academy Circle is 8.5 km and the other from Narsingi and Kollur is 14.5 km.

The cycle track has been made along the service roads of the Outer Ring Road between the main carriageway and the city-side service road. It has a width of 4.5 metres and three dedicated bicycle lanes with green spaces on either side. Out of the 23 km stretch, 21 will have a solar roof with an installed capacity of 16 MW.

This track is an improvised version of the South Korean model with better aesthetics and more facilities like protection from rain, lighting, parking, and other amenities like food stalls etc. It will have all safety measures including CCTVs.

HGCL is now looking for the services of a licensee to operate and manage bicycle sharing on a rental basis along the two stretches. The licensee will establish five bicycle stations at strategic locations, namely Nanakramguda, TSPA Junction, Narsingi, Kollur Junction, and Vattinagulapally. At these five stations bicycle parking space for a total of 850 cycles will be offered. Of these 475 will be designated as own parking while 375 available will be rental parking.

The agency selected by the HGCL will maintain a minimum fleet of 125 bicycles suitable for various age groups and ensure that it meets the demand by providing sufficient bicycles without causing queues, even during peak hours and seasons.

Later if the demand goes up, the agency can seek approval from the authority to expand the fleet up to 375 bicycles. The licensee will collect fees or fares from bicycle users and they must ensure availability of all convenient payment methods, including online and cash options, for visitors to pay the required fees.