Complaints, they say, have been raised repeatedly, pointing to equipment that are either unusable or potentially hazardous. GHMC officials, however, acknowledge that some gym equipment has indeed been damaged or rusted over time

Hema Singuluri  | Hyderabad 

The open-air gyms in public parks were started by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in 2019 with much fanfare, initially on a pilot basis in six parks across the city and in subsequent years, gyms increased significantly with more than 130 set up in parks to encourage outdoor exercise. Cut to 2025, the equipment in open-air gyms need repairs, replacement and fresh paint.

Across multiple neighborhood parks, including Golden Colony Park, Gulmohar Colony Park, and Jalagam Vengal Rao Park, park users say exercise equipment has deteriorated over time. Handles are loose, movable parts are jammed, metal frames show visible rust, and flooring beneath the machines is uneven in some areas. Residents allege regular maintenance and timely repairs are not being carried out. K V Madhava Rao, a resident of Sainikpuri and a regular visitor says, “We are 20-off retired employees who come to the A S Rao Nagar Park. It is a daily ritual. I request the GHMC to refurbish equipment. I have already had to buy three pairs of tracksuits as they tear due to rough edges on seats.”

Complaints, they say, have been raised repeatedly, pointing to equipment that are either unusable or potentially hazardous. GHMC officials, however, acknowledge that some gym equipment has indeed been damaged or rusted over time. They have stated that replacement of parts is underway, though it is being done gradually.

GHMC Serilingampally Zonal Deputy Commissioner Prashanthi stated that maintenance mechanisms are in place and are acted upon when complaints are received. “As and when we receive complaints from citizens or from resident welfare associations or colony welfare associations, we take up maintenance,” she explained. 

She further said that apart from public complaints, GHMC officials also conduct inspections. “During our inspections by the engineering wing, the Deputy Commissioner, or the horticulture department, if we find that any repair is needed, it will be rectified,” she added. 

According to her, the open-air gym installations are covered under an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC), which mandates quarterly inspections. She added that routine issues such as flooring problems, breezing issues, or regular wear and tear are addressed either through scheduled maintenance or when residents bring them to notice. “Annual maintenance, repairs, and inspections are being done,” she asserted. 

Citizens at Jalagam Vengal Rao Park and other locations say they regularly complain about faulty equipment and slow response times. Some residents point out that fitness infrastructure, once installed, requires consistent upkeep to remain safe and effective.