Latest news with #PalaPitta

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.