HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has drawn plans to lay ‘International Cycling Track’ along the side of Outer Ring Road (ORR) from Narsingi to Kollur junction covering 12 km length on a pilot basis.The world class cycling track, about 8 metres wide, with signages, lane markings, barricading, halting places and proper road contours could be utilised for holding international cycling events. HMDA has prepared the concept plan as per instructions of MAUD minister KT Rama Rao and will be forwarding the same to state government for approval. Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited (HGCL), chief general manager, B Anand Mohan told Express that in view of proximity to IT corridor - Kokapet, Gachibowli, IT Hub and Financial District etc., stretch between Narsingi and Kollur was selected.
Authorities are of the opinion that IT employees who wish to cycle a distance of 8-12 km to work are unable to do so. Authprities believe that setting up dedicated tracks would encourage them to cycle to work and would also lead lesser traffic congestion and subsequently lesser pollution levels. A temporary track on the existing service road could cost upto `50 lakh a km.If the proposed cycling track is utilised to the fullest by citizens, HMDA would extend to other ORR stretches like Patencheru. Once state government approves, HMDA would invite tenders for laying the track with asphalt (bitumen) material.