Transgenders Steering Traffic, Breaking Barriers In Hyderabad

Appointed in December 2024, 44 transgender traffic assistants became part of the Hyderabad police commissionerate’s traffic management system. Of those recruited, 38 are currently working at 15 traffic police stations under the commissionerate.

Shivaram, a native of Mancherial posted at Gopalpur traffic police station, said the job had helped them gain respect in society while serving the public.

Nayak, who manages traffic at Greenlands under Punjagutta traffic police limits, said he had faced discrimination before joining the job. The discrimination had also affected his family, though his parents continued to support him.

“Earlier, people would not even come near our family. There was a lot of social discrimination. Things have changed since I joined the job, and people have started accepting us,” he told Deccan Chronicle.

Nayak, who hails from Komaram Bheem Asifabad district, urged the government to provide allowances to transgender traffic assistants on a par with home guards. Having completed his Intermediate education, he said he wished to pursue graduation through distance learning.

Prema, posted at SR Nagar traffic police station, said the job had given her recognition and a sense of belonging.

“It has been nearly two years since I joined as a traffic assistant. The work is good, and we are treated as equals. We have become part of the Hyderabad police commissionerate and gained recognition,” she said.

Prema, who comes from an agricultural family in Jagtial, underwent gender‑affirming surgery at the age of 21. She later returned to her village, took up farming and continued her education through an open university.

“While pursuing my degree, I came to know about the recruitment of transgender traffic assistants and applied for the job. I was selected and joined the traffic police. I am now preparing for police constable and sub‑inspector recruitment examinations,” Prema said.

“The government should provide more education and employment opportunities for transgender persons, including reservations in government jobs. We should also be given opportunities to work in departments such as health and education,” Prema added. She also sought financial assistance for transgender students pursuing higher education.

Meanwhile, traffic police officials have written to the state government seeking permission to recruit 350 more transgender traffic assistants across Hyderabad, Cyberabad, Malkajgiri and other commissionerates.

Inspector Ravi Kumar said feedback on the performance of transgender traffic assistants was being collected every year from the police stations where they were posted. He said some assistants were absent from duty due to health and personal issues.