Hyderabad cyclists raise concerns over waterlogging on cycling track
Hyderabad: Cycling enthusiasts in Hyderabad have raised concerns over waterlogging on the city's cycling track, calling attention to the potential safety risks for riders. The issue was highlighted by the Bicycle Mayor of Hyderabad, Santhana Selvan (@sselvan), in a post on X (formerly Twitter). In his post, he urged the concerned authorities to address the waterlogging issue for the safety of cyclists.
"Request to please fix the waterlogging on our #HyderabadCyclingTrack for the safety of #Cyclists in our city. @md_hgcl @HMDA_Gov. Thank you," Selvan wrote.
Speaking to Hyderabad Mail, Selvan, who has been an advocate for cycling infrastructure in the city, acknowledged the track as a major development for Hyderabad. "The cycling track is a significant achievement for the city, and we are all very proud of it. It is not only a symbol of Hyderabad’s progress but also India's pride, as it is the second of its kind in the world and the first in India," he said.
Request to pls fix the water logging in our #Hyderabad pride #HyderabadCyclingTrack for the safety of #Cyclists in our city @HydcyclingRev @md_hgcl @HMDA_Gov @Kmv_Spaces @Ravi_1836 @CommissionrGHMC @ZC_SLP @Collector_HYD @TelanganaCS @gadwalvijayainc @TelanganaCMO
Thank you pic.twitter.com/FWu68I92N9
— Bicycle Mayor of Hyderabad (@sselvan) July 29, 2025
Selvan noted the growing popularity of cycling in the city, with many people using the track, especially due to the availability of rental bicycles. "There has been a good amount of engagement on social media, with many youngsters posting about their rides. The rental bicycles have played a big role in enabling this," he added. He also commended the overall maintenance of the track by the Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited (HGCL) and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).
However, Selvan raised concerns over persistent waterlogging on the track. "While the overall infrastructure is great, we’ve noticed issues like waterlogging, which could be a safety hazard. It’s unclear whether it’s rainwater or drainage water, but the amount of water pooling in certain areas is a problem," he said. "We’ve reported the issue today, and hopefully, it will be resolved soon."
The 23-kilometer Hyderabad Solar Roof Cycling Track, inaugurated during the BRS government's tenure, is India’s first solar-powered cycling track and the second in the world. It is divided into two segments: the Pink Line, covering 8.5 kilometers from Nanakramguda to the Telangana State Police Academy, and the Blue Line, which stretches 14.5 kilometers from Narsingi to Kollur.
The track features a solar roof that generates 16 megawatts of power, which is used to light the streetlights along the route. The project, valued at ₹90 crore, was a joint initiative by HGCL and HMDA. It aims to promote cycling and sustainable transportation while being environmentally friendly, with the solar panels expected to pay for themselves within six years.
The track is equipped with five access points that offer amenities such as parking, food stalls, and repair stations. It operates 24/7 and is monitored by CCTV surveillance for added security. While the track has been largely successful in encouraging cycling, local cyclists are hopeful that the waterlogging issue will be resolved promptly to ensure the continued safety and enjoyment of the facility.
