Cyclists slam removal of section of Hyderabad’s solar-roofed cycle track

The removal of a 34-metre section of Hyderabad's solar-roofed cycle track has sparked criticism from cyclists and mobility advocates, who accuse authorities of prioritising motor vehicles over sustainable transport despite the city's investment in world-class cycling infrastructure.

Hyderabad: A wave of anger has swept through Hyderabad’s cycling community following the recent dismantling of a 34-metre section of the iconic 23 kilometer solar-roofed cycle track, which was developed with a cost of close to Rs 93 crore, near My Home Avatar Junction.

According to HMDa, the removal of the 34-meter section of the Cycling Track roof by Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited (HGCL), was to accommodate a new U-turn and underpass. In the process, however, it has ignited a heated debate over whether the city’s development priorities favor motor vehicles over sustainable mobility.

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The conflict began when HGCL announced that, as per Traffic Police recommendations, the track’s roof was removed to ease congestion at the busy junction. While authorities assert the track remains ‘fully operational’ via an at-grade crossing, the cycling community views this as a major setback.

Taking to X, S Selven, who is well-known as Bicycle Mayor of Hyderabad slammed the decision as a ‘slow and gradual’ erosion of a world-class infrastructure.

“Anything is not enough for car infrastructure. There will be more and more needs for car space and you will always have the vulnerable cycle track to disturb. If there was a need for traffic betterment, would we cut a Durgam Cheruvu cable bridge or an age-old palace? How is it easy for you to take away the cycle track?” he said.

Amateur long distance cyclists in Hyderabad, who frequently utilise the cycling track as part of their training, point out that the track was designed to promote green, active commuting in the IT corridor.

Health enthusiasts argue that lack of prior consultation with stakeholders is unacceptable, and fear this sets a dangerous precedent. “A city is truly developed when people move by walking, cycling, and using public transit,” one advocate noted, urging authorities to stop sacrificing the track for the sake of other motor vehicles.

“Lot of cities in our country and also world cities are taking inspiration from the Hyderabad cycling track. The gradual encroachment and damage to the world class infrastructure for the sake of the never ending road hungry motor vehicles needs is not a good idea for our city in the long term. Kind request to please avoid such interventions in future,” Selvan said.