'Pala Pitta': PM to inaugurate customized Begumpet Railway station on May 22

Hyderabad:Hyderabad’s Begumpet Railway Station has been redeveloped into a modern transit hub, reflecting the rich heritage of Telangana.

The upgraded station, revamped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme for Rs 26.55 crore, will be virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 22, along with Karimnagar and Warangal stations.

Passenger-friendly features

According to the South Central Railway (SCR) officials, the facelift includes a host of passenger-friendly features such as escalators, lifts, spacious waiting halls, modern toilets, and dedicated facilities for differently-abled commuters. Adding a regional touch, a model of Telangana’s state bird, the Indian Roller (Pala Pitta), has been installed as a symbolic centerpiece.

The station now boasts illuminated lighting, landscaped greenery, water features, and marked signage—designed to enhance the overall commuting experience. The redevelopment was completed in just under a year, a notable achievement for the railways.

Serving over 15,000 passengers daily, Begumpet is one of the busiest suburban stations in Hyderabad, after Secunderabad, Nampally, and Kacheguda. It accommodates MMTS local trains as well as several express services, including the Shatabdi Express, Ajanta Express, Gautami, Konark, and more, the officials said.

All-women staffed station sets an example

Uniquely, Begumpet Railway Station is operated entirely by women. From the station master to ticket clerks, RPF constables, and booking staff, all key roles are held by women—a practice that has been in place for over six years. A dedicated surveillance system ensures enhanced safety for female passengers.

The upgraded station includes two lifts, four escalators, improved platform shelters, and displayed signage to assist passengers. The redevelopment is not just about infrastructure but about setting a benchmark in commuter comfort, safety, and inclusivity, the SCR officials said.

Begumpet now stands as a testament to the synergy between tradition and modernity, positioning itself as a model station within the Indian Railways network.

40 Railway Stations in Telangana under Amrit Bharat Scheme, Rs 2,750 crore Redevelopment Underway

In a major infrastructure push, the Indian Railways is redeveloping 40 railway stations across Telangana under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with a total outlay of Rs 2,750 crore. The initiative aims to transform stations into modern, passenger-friendly spaces while incorporating local cultural elements.

In Hyderabad, redevelopment is currently underway at stations such as Hitec City, Malakpet, Umdanagar, Hafeezpet, Yakutpura, and Malkajgiri. Among them, the upgrades at Hitec City, Malkajgiri, and Begumpet stations have already been completed, with works at the remaining stations progressing through various phases.

Begumpet Station – A Model of Modernization and Culture

Begumpet Railway Station stands out as a showcase of this transformation. A newly constructed 12-meter-long foot overbridge now connects platforms, allowing passengers to move easily and safely across the station. Additional enhancements include platform shelters, modern restrooms, lifts, escalators, and a second entrance for smoother passenger flow.

The main façade of the station has also been aesthetically redesigned. A key highlight is the installation of a sculpture of the Indian Roller (Pala Pitta), Telangana’s state bird, placed prominently within the premises—adding a cultural touch to the modernized station.

Railway officials stated that the Amrit Bharat scheme focuses not just on infrastructure, but also on elevating the overall travel experience by blending functionality with regional identity. As redevelopment progresses, Telangana's railway stations are poised to become more efficient, inclusive, and reflective of the state’s rich heritage.