Hyderabad has become the first in the region to be operated entirely by women. The initiative, unveiled during a virtual inauguration led by the Prime Minister, marks a milestone in Indian Railways’ mission to modernise its facilities while promoting equitable employment.
The transformation of Begumpet Station comes under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which aims to upgrade 1,300 railway stations across the country into world-class terminals that are more passenger-friendly, sustainable, and culturally rooted. As part of the scheme, Telangana has emerged as a key beneficiary with 40 railway stations currently under redevelopment. These stations, including Begumpet, are being reimagined with a strong focus on local heritage, universal accessibility, and climate-conscious infrastructure.
The redevelopment of Begumpet was strategically inaugurated on the 300th birth anniversary of Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar—a symbol of enlightened leadership—adding a cultural and historical resonance to the project. Officials confirmed that women will oversee operations at every level within the station, from ticketing and security to maintenance and administration, making it a model of gender-forward governance.The Central Government has committed a robust ₹5,337 crore towards railway development in Telangana, with a total investment outlay of ₹42,219 crore already underway. Notable projects include the ₹720 crore makeover of the iconic Secunderabad station and ₹100 crore for the upgradation of Nampally (Hyderabad) station. Both are expected to reopen next year, fully retrofitted to meet modern standards of safety, aesthetics, and digital efficiency.
Adding to the momentum is the long-awaited revival of the MMTS Phase-2 project, previously delayed by nearly seven years. The Central Government has infused ₹1,000 crore to resume the suburban rail expansion, enhancing daily mobility options for the urban working population. An additional ₹400 crore has been sanctioned to extend MMTS services to the temple town of Yadagirigutta, further improving last-mile regional connectivity.As part of the railway safety upgrade, Telangana is now the pilot site for the deployment of Kavach, India’s indigenous train collision prevention system, spanning 617 km. Simultaneously, the elimination of 121 unmanned level crossings and the construction of 203 road under bridges, 43 over bridges, and 45 foot over bridges are enhancing safety and operational capacity.
In a significant push for digital inclusion, 174 railway stations in the state now offer high-speed Wi-Fi access, while 88 stalls have been established to serve passengers. Another major investment of ₹580 crore is being channelled into a new railway manufacturing facility at Kazipet, expected to stimulate local job creation and strengthen the railways’ production backbone.While the infrastructure push has sparked political sparring—with Union leaders alleging delays under the previous state administration—the broader trajectory underscores a shift toward modern, green, and equitable railway development. The Begumpet women-run station symbolises a new era where infrastructure not only serves mobility but also empowers communities.
As Indian cities aim for more inclusive and zero-carbon futures, Hyderabad’s rail transformation may well become a template for others to follow—where sustainability, safety, and social equity intersect on the fast track to progress.
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