India's First Solar Rooftop Cycling Track Healthway
India's first solar rooftop cycling track 'Healthway' inaugurated in Hyderabad, paving the way for sustainable city mobility. The program was presided over by State Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister K Tarakrama Rao. The cycling track is named “Healthway” and is a pioneer project in India. This is the second program of its kind globally, showcasing innovation in sustainable infrastructure.
Specialty of Healthway Track
This innovative track named Healthway is the second track of its kind globally. The world's first solar panel cycling track is built from Seoul to Busan city in South Korea. The track is located along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) between the main carriageway and the service road. Its total length is 23 kilometers and it has two lines. The Pink Line extends 8.5 km from Nanakramguda to Telangana State Police Academy (TSPA), while the Blue Line extends 14.5 km from Narasinghi Hub to Kollur. The track is three lanes wide, measuring 4.5 metres, with one meter of green space on each side.
Available facilities and services
The cycling track is designed as a hub for cyclists and visitors. It provides amenities like adequate parking space, surveillance cameras, food courts, drinking water, first aid facilities and toilets. Strategic lighting with CCTV surveillance for security allows 24x7, 365 day access. Plans include bicycle rental agencies, health food and retail kiosks to enrich the cycling experience. Additionally, there will be bicycle repair shops, bicycle docking stations, rental services and more to enhance the visitor experience.
Solar Energy Production and Environmental Benefits
A total of 16,000 solar panels have been installed along the track. These solar panels generate 16 megawatts (MW) of electricity, which is used to illuminate the track at night and provide protection to cyclists from sun, rain and adverse weather conditions. This initiative is in line with sustainability goals and promotes eco-friendly transportation options.