Hyderabad Cyclists Slam Removal of Cycle Track Section at My Home Avatar Junction
On 10 July 2026, it was reported that a 34-meter section of Hyderabad's solar-roofed cycle track near My Home Avatar Junction was dismantled by Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited (HGCL) to construct a new U-turn and underpass. The decision, recommended by the Traffic Police, has sparked anger and criticism from the local cycling community and mobility advocates who accuse authorities of prioritizing motor vehicles over sustainable transport.
The dismantled section is part of the city's iconic 23-kilometer solar-roofed cycle track, which was developed at a cost of close to Rs 93 crore. According to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), the removal of the roof section was necessary to ease traffic congestion at the busy junction.
While authorities asserted that the cycle track remains "fully operational" via an at-grade crossing, local cyclists view the alteration as a major setback to the city's green infrastructure.
S Selven, the Bicycle Mayor of Hyderabad, criticized the decision on X, calling it a "slow and gradual" erosion of a world-class infrastructure. He questioned the priority given to motor vehicles, stating that there will always be a demand for more car space, which should not come at the expense of vulnerable cycle tracks. He asked whether authorities would cut a Durgam Cheruvu cable bridge or an age-old palace for traffic betterment.
Amateur long-distance cyclists in Hyderabad, who frequently use the track for training, pointed out that the infrastructure was designed to promote green, active commuting in the IT corridor. They argued that the lack of prior consultation with stakeholders was unacceptable.
Health advocates urged authorities to stop sacrificing the track for motor vehicles, stating that a city is truly developed when people move by walking, cycling, and using public transit. Selven also made a request to avoid such interventions in the future, warning that gradual encroachment and damage to the infrastructure is not a good idea for the city in the long term, especially as other cities look to Hyderabad's track for inspiration.
