Hyderabad's 24x7 City Vision Progresses Under CM Revanth Reddy; Collector Hari Chandana Brings Urban Expertise to the Table

The Wire

19-07-2025

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 19: In a landmark move poised to redefine urban governance in India, the Telangana government has announced plans to transform Hyderabad into the country's first fully operational 24x7 city. Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the initiative aims to unlock the city's full economic potential by fostering a vibrant night-time economy. From IT and healthcare to retail, logistics, and hospitality, the new policy will facilitate round-the-clock activity in key sectors, positioning Hyderabad alongside global cities like New York, Dubai, and Tokyo.
This sweeping vision is being operationalized through a coordinated, multi-departmental strategy. As the newly appointed Collector of Hyderabad, Hari Chandana, IAS, brings a wealth of administrative experience and a proven track record of citizen-centric governance. Her pioneering efforts—such as launching India's first pet park, introducing Loo Cafés to enhance urban sanitation, executing large-scale lake rejuvenation projects, and empowering self-help groups during the COVID-19 crisis—have earned national acclaim. These accomplishments reflect her ability to innovate at the grassroots level, a quality that will be instrumental as Hyderabad transitions toward becoming a 24x7 city.
The government's focus goes beyond commercial expansion. It aims to build a robust ecosystem that enables continuous public service delivery, improved civic amenities, safety, and inclusive employment. To support a city that never sleeps, departments including law enforcement, health services, transportation, and municipal bodies are being mobilized to operate in a synchronized manner. Officials confirmed that inter-departmental planning and coordination meetings are already in progress.
Collector Hari Chandana's previous tenure as Zonal Commissioner of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation adds strategic value to the project. Her in-depth understanding of the city's urban infrastructure and civic challenges informs current planning efforts. Known for innovative and sustainable interventions—such as repurposing plastic waste for construction and launching community sharing kiosks—she has consistently championed practical, citizen-driven solutions. This experience positions her as a key figure in aligning civic systems with the government's 24x7 vision.
Sources in the administration indicated that pilot implementations will begin in high-activity areas such as Hitech City, Jubilee Hills, Gachibowli, and parts of the Old City. These zones will see extended business hours, streamlined licensing protocols, and integrated security systems. Concurrently, the government is developing measures to address noise pollution, revise zoning regulations, and manage traffic during night hours. Public outreach campaigns are also in the works to raise awareness and address citizen concerns regarding the initiative.
Public confidence will be central to the success of this bold transformation. Authorities are working on real-time safety monitoring systems, feedback platforms, and grievance redressal mechanisms in partnership with the city police and civic departments. Resident welfare associations, local stakeholders, and business owners will be actively engaged to ensure smooth and inclusive adoption.
Officials emphasized that the 24x7 model is not just an economic move—it represents a step toward inclusive urban development. The night-time economy is expected to generate new employment opportunities in transportation, food services, emergency care, logistics, and city maintenance, particularly benefiting youth, women, and informal workers seeking flexible shifts. The Chief Minister's office has reiterated that social equity, sustainability, and safety will remain at the heart of implementation.
Sources close to the project also revealed that international consultants may be engaged to benchmark Hyderabad's transition against global standards. Models from cities such as Seoul, Melbourne, and Berlin—where vibrant night economies coexist with civic discipline—are being studied. Training modules for municipal workers and law enforcement are in the pipeline to ensure seamless functioning across all hours. Industry leaders from sectors including hospitality, e-commerce, and IT have welcomed the move and expressed readiness to contribute through investments, services, and job creation.
With strong political commitment, strategic foresight, and an experienced administrative team at the helm, Hyderabad is poised to set a national precedent. If executed effectively, the 24x7 city model could become a replicable blueprint for urban rejuvenation across India, ushering in a new era of dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready cities.
(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).