Cyclists Upset After Hyderabad Removes Part of Solar Cycling Track
HYDERABAD: Authorities removed a 34-metre section of Hyderabad’s 23-km solar-roofed cycling track on Friday to make way for a new U-turn near My Home Avatar Junction. The decision has drawn criticism from cyclists, who say the city is compromising sustainable transport infrastructure to improve traffic flow for motor vehicles.
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) developed the ₹93 crore cycling track. Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited (HGCL) said it removed the roofed section after the Traffic Police recommended the change to ease congestion at the busy junction.
Officials clarified that the cycling track remains fully operational. Cyclists now cross the road through an at-grade crossing at the location. They said the change will improve traffic movement without affecting the track’s usability.
Cyclists criticise the decision
Members of Hyderabad’s cycling community opposed the move. They argued that dedicated cycling infrastructure should not be altered to create more space for motor vehicles.
S. Selvan, popularly known as the Bicycle Mayor of Hyderabad, called the move “the slow and gradual disfiguring of world-class infrastructure.”
In a post on X, Selvan questioned why authorities chose to modify cycling infrastructure instead of protecting it. He said infrastructure that promotes sustainable mobility deserves long-term protection.
“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 wrote.
Project aimed to encourage cycling
The solar-roofed cycling track is one of the longest of its kind in India. HMDA built it to encourage non-motorised transport and promote cycling for daily commuting as well as recreation.
The latest modification has revived the debate over how Hyderabad should balance road expansion with investments in sustainable urban mobility.
