'Healthway': India's first-ever solar roof cycling track comes up in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Hyderabad has become the first city in India to house a solar roof cycling track.

`Healthway’ is a remarkable stride toward fostering sustainable urban transportation.This innovative project was unveiled by Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Minister KT Rama Rao on a sunny Sunday, marking a significant leap forward in the city's commitment to eco-friendly mobility.

Recognized as the second of its kind globally, Healthway has positioned Hyderabad as a trailblazer in promoting active and environmentally-conscious commuting.

Situated along the bustling Outer Ring Road (ORR), Healthway is strategically located between the main carriageway and the service road.

This 23-kilometer track, which will remain accessible 24/7, is set to ignite a renewed passion for cycling among the city's residents and visitors. Beyond its immediate benefits, Healthway is a pivotal step in transforming Hyderabad into the active mobility capital of India.

During the track's inauguration, Minister KT Rama Rao unveiled ambitious plans to replicate this success story around Gandipet Lake, as well as in the Financial District and Neopolis areas.

He emphasized the track's potential to become a self-sustaining project, with a primary focus on encouraging children to embrace cycling and active lifestyles to prevent lifestyle-related illnesses in the future.

To further enhance the track's appeal, sports facilities such as skating ramps and tennis courts will soon complement the cycling experience.

Healthway comprises two distinct stretches: the pink line spans 8.5 kilometers from Nanakramguda to the Telangana State Police Academy, while the blue line extends 14.5 kilometers from Kollur to Narsingi.

These two lines converge at Narsingi Junction, offering five different access points. The track itself is an impressive three-lane path, boasting a width of 4.5 meters and flanked by one meter of lush greenery on either side.

The realization of Healthway owes much to the efforts of the Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited (HGCL), a division of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).

Beyond a cycling route, Healthway aspires to become a recreational hotspot with amenities including ample parking space, surveillance cameras for security, food courts, drinking water facilities, first aid stations, and restrooms.

Additionally, the track's convenience will be enhanced with bicycle repair shops, cycle docking and rental stations, and other essential services.

One of the most notable features of Healthway is its solar roof, comprising a staggering 16,000 solar panels installed in just 18 days. These panels are projected to generate a whopping 16 megawatts (MW) of power.

This energy will be harnessed to illuminate the track at night, adding an extra layer of safety for cyclists, and is expected to meet some of ORR's power requirements, contributing to a greener and more sustainable energy ecosystem.

The inspiration for this visionary project came from a tweet by renowned environmentalist Erik Solheim, showcasing a cycling track in South Korea between Daejeon and Sejong.

Hyderabad has now transformed that inspiration into reality, setting a shining example for other cities across India and the world.

The inauguration of Healthway represents not only a triumph of innovation but also a commitment to fostering healthier, greener, and more sustainable urban environments for generations to come.