India is fighting heatwaves with solar cycle tracks

The South Indian state of Telegana has come up with a project where cyclists can ride for up to 21 kilometres along a path roofed with solar panels that generate electrcity while also shading the track beneath.

[...]

Before commissioning the project, a team from the Indian government visited South Korea, where a 32 kilometre cycle track is already covered with solar panels and proving popular with local cyclists wanting shelter from the weather on their commute to work. The entire stretch between the cities of Daejon and Sejong was constructed in 2014 and is commonly known as the “cycle super highway”.

Inspired by the South Korean success, India’s ambitious project has cost Rs.100 crores ($12 million). The power generated by the cycle track panels will be used to support a range of local infrastructure needs, including some 9,000 LED lights on the main roads of Hyderabad city, which will save Rs.One crore (119,000 USD) in energy bills alone.

The track has been designed to provide shade from the sun and protection from the sun and rain alike, as well as offering lighting and parking. Food stalls, refreshment counters, toilets and parking areas with safety measures including CCTV have also been installed along the path.

[...]