Hyderabad Street Circuit
Location
Hussain Sagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Current Local Time
Track Info
Hyderabad Street Circuit - Hyderabad, India
Fast Formula E street circuit beside Hussain Sagar Lake - combining long straights, tight chicanes and heavy braking zones in the heart of the city
When was the track built?
The Hyderabad Street Circuit was created as a temporary city track ahead of Formula E's first visit to India. Roads around NTR Gardens and Hussain Sagar Lake were converted for racing with barriers, fencing, pit facilities and safety equipment.
Like most Formula E street circuits, much of the infrastructure was temporary. The ordinary roads formed the racing surface, while the specialist equipment was installed around the event.
When was its first race?
The first Hyderabad E-Prix took place on 11 February 2023. It was Formula E's first race in India and marked the return of top-level FIA World Championship circuit racing to the country after almost a decade.
Mitch Evans started from pole for Jaguar, but Jean-Éric Vergne managed his energy carefully and won for DS PENSKE, finishing just 0.400 seconds ahead of Nick Cassidy.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast by street-circuit standards: Hyderabad included long acceleration zones where the Gen3 Formula E cars could build significant speed.
- Strong overtaking chances: The long straight after Turns 1 and 2 ended in an important braking zone where drivers could attack rivals.
- Hairpins and chicanes: Slow corners broke up the faster sections and demanded accurate braking and good traction on the exit.
- Close concrete walls: As with most temporary street circuits, mistakes could quickly result in contact and damage.
Formula E benchmarks
- Race winner: Jean-Éric Vergne won the only Hyderabad E-Prix for DS PENSKE.
- Pole position: Mitch Evans recorded a 1:13.228 to start the 2023 race from first place.
- Race lap record: Nico Müller set a 1:14.656 during the race.
- Closest challenger: Nick Cassidy finished only 0.400 seconds behind Vergne after pressuring him during the closing stages.
- Podium: António Félix da Costa completed the top three for Porsche.
Why go?
Hyderabad combined modern electric racing with one of the city's most recognisable locations. The circuit ran beside Hussain Sagar Lake and through the NTR Gardens area, giving the event a very different setting from a permanent race track.
The layout was also easy for newcomers to enjoy. There were obvious overtaking zones, fast straights and tight corners, while Formula E's energy management meant the driver leading early was not guaranteed to stay there.
Formula E has not returned to Hyderabad since 2023. A race planned for February 2024 was cancelled after the local host-city agreement was not fulfilled.
Where's the best place to watch?
- End of the straight after Turn 2: One of the strongest areas for overtaking, with drivers arriving at high speed before braking heavily.
- Chicane sections: Good for watching the cars change direction quickly and seeing how closely drivers are willing to run to the barriers.
- NTR Gardens side of the circuit: A good choice for experiencing the distinctive lakefront and city-park setting that gave Hyderabad its character.
These viewing suggestions refer to the former Formula E event layout; there is currently no Hyderabad E-Prix.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Hyderabad Street Circuit (India)
The Hyderabad Street Circuit was a temporary Formula E course beside Hussain Sagar lake in central Hyderabad. Formula E no longer races here, but the former circuit area around NTR Gardens, Lumbini Park and the Telangana Secretariat is easy to reach by Metro, taxi or local transport.
Is the Hyderabad Street Circuit still active?
The Hyderabad Street Circuit is no longer an active Formula E venue. The championship raced here for the first time on 11 February 2023, but a second event planned for February 2024 was cancelled.
Because the venue was a temporary street circuit, the barriers, grandstands, pit buildings and other Formula E infrastructure were removed after the race. The roads have returned to normal city use.
You can still visit the location, but do not expect to find a permanent race track or Formula E spectator facilities.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, Metro + walking is the easiest way to explore the former circuit area. The track was in central Hyderabad, so hiring a car simply to visit the location is usually unnecessary.
Khairatabad Metro Station is particularly useful for NTR Gardens and Hussain Sagar. Lakdi-ka-Pul is another option for the Secretariat and Lumbini Park side of the area.
Metro & public transport
- Khairatabad: a useful Metro station for NTR Gardens, Hussain Sagar, Necklace Road and the B. R. Ambedkar statue area.
- Lakdi-ka-Pul: useful for Lumbini Park, the Secretariat and the southern side of the former circuit.
- Metro network: Hyderabad has Red, Blue and Green lines with interchange connections across the city.
- Final walk: allow additional time to reach the lakeside roads from the station, particularly in hot weather.
Hyderabad traffic can be heavy, so the Metro is often more predictable than travelling entirely by road.
Driving & parking
Driving or using a taxi is straightforward outside the busiest periods, but central Hyderabad can experience significant congestion.
- Navigation: NTR Gardens, Lumbini Park or Hussain Sagar are useful reference points.
- Parking: use current legal public or private parking available around the attractions you are visiting.
- No race parking: Formula E spectator parking maps and temporary entrances from 2023 are no longer relevant.
- Traffic: allow extra time during weekday commuting periods and major events around Hussain Sagar.
Hyderabad airport
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD): Hyderabad's main domestic and international airport.
- Easiest option: prepaid taxi, ride-hailing service or private transfer.
- Pushpak Airport Liner: air-conditioned airport buses connect the terminal with several parts of Hyderabad.
- For the former circuit: travel towards central Hyderabad and continue by Metro, taxi or local transport.
- Allow extra time: road journey times can vary considerably depending on city traffic.
About the former circuit
Hyderabad's Formula E course used public roads beside Hussain Sagar and was designed specifically for the championship's faster Gen3 cars.
- Length: 2.835 km.
- Corners: 18.
- Type: temporary street circuit.
- Setting: Hussain Sagar and NTR Gardens.
- Formula E race: 11 February 2023.
Visiting the area today
A good starting point is NTR Gardens. From here you can explore the Hussain Sagar waterfront and the roads around Lumbini Park and the Secretariat that formed the setting for the 2023 E-Prix.
The circuit roads now carry normal traffic, so you should not try to walk the complete racing line as one continuous lap. Instead, visit individual landmarks and compare them with an old circuit map or race footage.
Without Formula E barriers and grandstands, some parts of the area can look very different from photographs taken during the race weekend.
Accessibility
Khairatabad and Lakdi-ka-Pul Metro stations have lifts, escalators and stair access between street and platform levels. Accessibility around the former circuit itself varies because it now consists of normal roads, parks and pedestrian areas.
Hyderabad Street Circuit is no longer an active Formula E venue. Metro services, road access, parking and pedestrian routes around Hussain Sagar can change, so check current Hyderabad Metro and local transport information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Hyderabad Street Circuit (Hyderabad, India)
Hyderabad Street Circuit brought Formula E racing to the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake in the heart of the city. Although Formula E no longer races here, the former circuit area is surrounded by parks, museums and waterfront attractions, while Hyderabad’s famous forts, markets and food are only a short journey away.
Family-friendly highlights near the old circuit
- NTR Gardens: Located beside the former racing area, this city park provides lawns, play areas and family attractions when you need a quieter break from sightseeing.
- Hussain Sagar Lake: Walk along the waterfront or take a boat ride for views across the lake towards its large Buddha statue.
- Birla Science Centre: A good indoor option for families, combining science displays with a planetarium and other educational attractions.
Culture hits & hot-day winners
- Salar Jung Museum: One of Hyderabad’s major museums, with galleries filled with paintings, sculptures, clocks, manuscripts and decorative art collected from India and around the world.
- Birla Science Centre: An easy escape from the heat if you want hands-on science and astronomy rather than another historic monument.
- Chowmahalla Palace: Explore the former palace complex of Hyderabad’s Nizams, with grand halls, courtyards and displays of royal history.
Eat & drink like a local
- Hyderabadi biryani: The city’s best-known dish combines fragrant rice, spices and usually chicken or mutton. Portions are often generous, so sharing can be a good option.
- Irani chai: Stop at one of Hyderabad’s traditional cafés for sweet, milky tea, often paired with an Osmania biscuit.
- Old City: The streets around Charminar are a good place to explore kebabs, sweets and busy local food spots alongside the markets.
Explore the lakefront outdoors
- Hussain Sagar: The lake was the defining backdrop to the Formula E circuit and remains the easiest place to get a feel for where the race was held.
- Necklace Road: Follow the lakeside for an easy walk with parks, skyline views and plenty of places to stop along the way.
- NTR Gardens: Combine the park with the lakefront for a relaxed morning or evening without travelling far from the former track.
Hyderabad can become very hot during the warmer months. Longer outdoor walks are more comfortable early in the morning or towards sunset.
Easy trips if you have more time
- Charminar & Laad Bazaar: See Hyderabad’s most famous monument, then explore the surrounding Old City streets and traditional shopping area.
- Golconda Fort: Climb through the remains of this enormous fortified complex for history and wide views across Hyderabad.
- Qutb Shahi Tombs: Combine Golconda with this nearby group of domed royal tombs for an easy heritage-focused half day.
- Ramoji Film City: If you have a full day, head outside central Hyderabad for studio tours, sets, shows and family entertainment.
Good to know when visiting the old circuit
- There is no permanent race track: Formula E used public roads around NTR Gardens and Hussain Sagar, so the barriers, pit lane and grandstands are no longer present.
- Formula E has moved on: Hyderabad’s planned 2024 race was cancelled and the city is not currently part of the championship calendar.
- Traffic can be busy: Hyderabad is a large city, so allow extra time when travelling between Hussain Sagar, the Old City and Golconda.
- Plan around the heat: Carry water and sun protection, particularly if you are exploring forts, parks or the lakefront during the middle of the day.
Formula E no longer races at Hyderabad Street Circuit. Museum hours, boating, attraction access and transport arrangements can change - check current information before travelling.