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New Indian Express
20-05-2025
- New Indian Express
PM Modi to virtually open redeveloped Begumpet railway station on May 22
HYDERABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the newly redeveloped Begumpet Railway Station on May 22. The station, now fully operated by women staff under the South Central Railway (SCR), has been transformed at a cost of Rs 26.55 crore as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). Begumpet Railway Station stands out not only for its infrastructural upgrade but also as a shining example of women empowerment. For the past six years, the station has been managed entirely by a team of over 20 women, ranging from station masters to ticket clerks, RPF constables, and booking staff. Adding a distinctive regional flavour, a model of the Indian Roller (Pala Pitta), the state bird of Telangana, has been installed as a symbolic centrepiece, celebrating the cultural identity of the region while enhancing the visual appeal of the station. The redevelopment of Begumpet railway station is part of a broader initiative under ABSS, through which 40 railway stations across Telangana are being modernised with an estimated investment of `2,750 crore. Among these, Begumpet, Karimnagar and Warangal stations have been completed and will be inaugurated simultaneously with 103 other upgraded stations across the country by the prime minister. Originally laid with its foundation stone by PM Modi in February 2024, the Begumpet project aims to provide enhanced travel comfort and operational efficiency. Strategically located in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, the station serves both suburban and non-suburban travellers.
Hans India
20-05-2025
- Hans India
Pala Pitta to be the showstopper at renovated Begumpet rly stn
Hyderabad: Telangana State bird Indian Roller (Pala Pitta) will be the main attraction at the Begumpet railway station which is under renovation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the redeveloped railway station virtually on May 22. In addition, Karimnagar and Warangal railway stations in Telangana, along with a few other stations across the country will be inaugurated under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). According to the South Central Railway (SCR) officials, the Begumpet railway station has been redeveloped into a modern transit hub, reflecting the rich heritage of Telangana under ABSS at an estimated cost of Rs 26.55 crore. 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. Moreover, Telangana's State bird, Pala Pitta, has been installed as a symbolic centrepiece. 'The station now boasts illuminated lighting, landscaped greenery, water features, and marked signage, which have been designed to enhance the overall commuting experience. Apart from this, the station will be operated entirely by women staff, from the station master to the ticket clerks and Railway Protection Force (RPF) constables, booking staff —a practice that has been in place for over six years. A dedicated surveillance system ensures enhanced safety for female passengers,' said a senior officer, SCR. Explaining on the facilities, he added that the upgraded station includes two lifts, four escalators, improved platform shelters, and displayed signage to assist passengers. As present, the station has a stoppage of important and superfast trains coming from Mumbai and Pune, with around 122 trains plying from here. The station is witnessing a rise in passenger footfalls and at present is handling around 100 trains with a footfall of 15,000 commuters. As part of ABSS, a long-term master plan has been prepared envisaging the development of modern facilities.
NDTV
18-05-2025
- NDTV
10 Notable State Birds Of India And Where To Spot Them
India isn't just about temples and thalis — it's also packed with some truly striking birds. Nearly every state has its own official feathered mascot, and they're anything but ordinary. Think bold colours, rare sightings, and personalities to match. From regal creatures gliding through remote forests to chirpy regulars outside your window, these birds are more than symbols — they reflect the soul of their regions. Whether you're deep in the desert or chilling in a city park, there's always a chance to spot one of these local legends. Here are some of India's most fascinating state birds — and where to find them. 1. Indian Roller — Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha Where: Bannerghatta National Park (Karnataka), Kolleru Lake (Andhra-Telangana border) Let's start with the crowd-pleaser. The Indian Roller is that bright turquoise bird you've probably seen doing aerial acrobatics near open fields and power lines. Locals often call it neelkanth, linking it to Lord Shiva, and it's believed to bring good luck when spotted. It's bold, beautiful, and totally photogenic — basically the influencer of Indian birds. 2. Great Indian Bustard — Rajasthan Where: Desert National Park (Jaisalmer) This bird is so rare it's practically a unicorn in feathers. One of the heaviest flying birds in the world, the Great Indian Bustard is critically endangered, with fewer than 200 left in the wild. Its tall frame and slow, deliberate gait make it look like it's constantly judging your life choices. Spotting one in the wild is like hitting the jackpot on a desert safari. 3. Great Hornbill — Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh Where: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh) The Great Hornbill doesn't just arrive — it makes an entrance. With its massive yellow-and-black casque and banana-shaped bill, it looks like a creature dreamed up by Dr. Seuss. It's considered a symbol of tribal identity in the Northeast and a forest guardian in Kerala. Loud, flashy, and monogamous for life — it's basically nature's rockstar power couple. 4. White-throated Kingfisher — West Bengal Where: Sunderbans You don't need to trek into the wild to spot this one. The White-throated Kingfisher is a city bird with a taste for fish, frogs and insects. Its electric-blue wings and bright red beak make it hard to miss. In Kolkata, it's not unusual to see one perched coolly on a phone wire as traffic rumbles below. 5. House Sparrow — Delhi Where: Gardens, balconies, ledges — basically everywhere humans go Once the soundtrack of every Indian household, the humble House Sparrow has been struggling with urbanisation and vanishing green spaces. But Delhi made it its official state bird in 2012 as a symbolic nudge to protect it. And it's working — sparrows are slowly making a comeback. If you hear chirping near your breakfast table, you know who's visiting. 6. Black-necked Crane — Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh Where: Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Ladakh This bird is sacred in Tibetan Buddhism. The Black-necked Crane migrates to Ladakh each year to breed, and its elegant dance rituals are a sight to behold. With snow-capped peaks in the background and prayer flags fluttering nearby, it's hard not to feel a little emotional watching them glide through the Himalayan sky. 7. Hill Myna — Chhattisgarh Where: Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Bastar forests Known for its uncanny ability to mimic human speech (sometimes better than your average WhatsApp voice note), the Hill Myna is a vocal wonder. Chhattisgarh considers it a local treasure, and it thrives in its dense, hilly forests. Its glossy black feathers, bright orange eye-patch and chatty nature make it a crowd favourite. 8. Sarus Crane — Uttar Pradesh Where: Dudhwa National Park, Etawah Safari Park At over five feet tall, the Sarus Crane is the tallest flying bird in the world. They mate for life and are often seen in pairs, elegantly wading through wetlands. In UP, they're more than just avian eye-candy — they're symbols of love and fidelity. Locals say if one partner dies, the other may stop eating. Now that's commitment. 9. Indian Peafowl — Tamil Nadu Where: Guindy National Park, Tamil Nadu countryside Yes, the peacock is everyone's show-off cousin in the bird world, but it's earned the hype. Those iridescent feathers, that dramatic dance during the monsoon, the all-eyes-on-me vibe — it's the full Bollywood package. As Tamil Nadu's state bird (and India's national bird), it pops up in both temple art and village fields. 10. Blyth's Tragopan — Nagaland Where: Khonoma and Dzukou Valley Shy, elusive, and stunningly beautiful, this high-altitude pheasant wears scarlet, orange and grey with the confidence of a Milan runway model. It's found in the cool forests of Nagaland and is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss. If you spot one, count yourself lucky — and whisper thanks to the forest.
