Demolition Of Nampally Station’s Heritage Facade Draws Concern

Hyderabad: The demolition of the heritage facade of Hyderabad Deccan railway station at Nampally has drawn concern from historians and heritage enthusiasts, who fear that the redevelopment will erase an important part of the city's architectural legacy.

The station, whose history dates back to 1907, is undergoing redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at an estimated cost of ₹327 crore.

Work began in 2024, and about 25 per cent of the project has been completed.

The station, which handles more than 45,000 passengers daily, is a major transport hub in the South Central Railway zone.

Historians said the demolition of the old structure would erase elements of Hyderabad's early 20th-century Asaf Jah railway heritage.

While acknowledging the need for modernisation, they urged the authorities to preserve the station's historical identity.

Dr Mohammed Safiullah, honorary managing trustee of the Deccan Heritage Trust, Hyderabad, expressed regret over the demolition.

"It is sad to see the old structure go, but we need sacrifices for our development and expansion," he said.

"I hope the authorities incorporate symbols of our Heritage and History into the new structure coming up in place of the old Nampally Railway Station block," he added.

Preethi Amar Kumar, a school head of department, said the station's heritage building held sentimental value for generations of Hyderabad residents.

She felt that the old structure should have been preserved and the new station building constructed alongside it.

While welcoming the redevelopment, she stressed that the city's architectural heritage must be protected for future generations.