🏛️ Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat
India's Tallest State Secretariat – A Symbol of Telangana's Pride and Progress
India's Most Iconic Government Building: The Telangana State Secretariat is not just an administrative hub — it is a symbol of Telangana's pride, progress, and identity. Built on the same land that once housed the old secretariat buildings of the united Andhra Pradesh, this magnificent structure represents the aspirations of the youngest state in India. The building is a brainchild of former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, who envisioned a secretariat that would stand as a "role model for other states" and reflect the "pride of Telangana." [citation:2][citation:7]
The secretariat is named after Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, whose vision for equality and social justice continues to inspire the state's administration. A 125-foot tall bronze statue of Dr. Ambedkar stands adjacent to the secretariat, serving as a daily reminder of his legacy. [citation:1][citation:4]
📜 History – From Old Secretariat to New Icon
🏗️ The Demolition of the Old Secretariat: The old secretariat had an old Nizam-era heritage structure called Peshi or G-block. It had 10 blocks and spread over 25.5 acres (10.3 hectares). After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh to form the new state of Telangana, the buildings were divided in a 58:42 ratio between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for 10 years (until 2024). [citation:1]
The razing of the old Secretariat complex began in Hyderabad in early July 2020, with the government starting demolition of the old buildings and paving the way for construction of a state-of-the-art new complex in its place. [citation:1]
Key Milestones:
- 27 June 2019: Foundation stone laid by CM K. Chandrashekar Rao [citation:1]
- January 2021: Construction began amid COVID-19 pandemic and legal cases [citation:1][citation:2]
- April 2023: Construction completed in a record 26 months (typically takes 5 years) [citation:2]
- 30 April 2023: Official inauguration by CM KCR [citation:1][citation:4]
- 1 May 2023: Opened for public use [citation:1]
🏷️ Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat – A Tribute to the Constitution's Architect
📜 Named After Babasaheb: On 15 September 2022, the Telangana government decided to name the new Secretariat complex as Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat. [citation:1] The decision honours Dr. Ambedkar's pivotal role in drafting the Indian Constitution, which made the creation of Telangana state possible. As CM KCR stated in his inaugural speech, "The Architect of the Indian Constitution DR BR Ambedkar's vision of enshrining article 3 in the constitution helped the creation of Telangana state." [citation:4]
The 125-foot bronze statue of Dr. Ambedkar adjacent to the Secretariat is visible from the main entrance, symbolising the state's commitment to his ideals of equality, justice, and social reform. The giant statue will always inspire the state government officials who discharge their duties to fulfill the aspirations of the people." [citation:4]
🏛️ Architectural Marvel – Indo-Saracenic Grandeur
🎨 Design Philosophy: The structure is built in the Indo-Saracenic style, which blends Indo-Islamic architectural features typically with domes. The multiple domes and arches of the building perfectly fit in this style representing the syncretic and liberal Deccani style, expressing Telangana's quintessence. [citation:2][citation:7]
Key Architectural Features:
- Two Massive Domes: The national emblem atop the colossal domes carried the building to its planned height of 265 feet, making it the tallest state secretariat in the country [citation:2]
- 34 Domes in Total: Including two huge domes, which add charm to the complex [citation:2][citation:7]
- Dholpur Red Stone: 3,500 cubic meters of Dholpur red stone (used for the Parliament building) was used for the new secretariat. An entire quarry was used in Dholpur, Rajasthan, and the stone was transported to Hyderabad in 1,000 trucks [citation:2][citation:7]
- Red Stone Basement: Red stone has been used throughout the basement, while light gray stone has been used from the main dome to the portico [citation:2]
- Sixth Floor Under the Dome: Two floors of 4,500 square feet each under the dome will be used for the President, Prime Minister, and foreign guests on state visits [citation:2][citation:7]
- Royal Dining Halls: Built on the Persian model [citation:2][citation:7]
The building, a fusion of different cultures, has been constructed over an area of 10,51,676 square feet spread over 28 acres. The architects are Ponni Concessao and Oscar Concessao of OCI Architects, Chennai, and the main contractor is Shapoorji Pallonji Group. [citation:1][citation:2][citation:7]
🏢 Facilities – A Truly Modern Administrative Hub
🏢 Office Spaces
- 6 Storeys: Ground floor + lower ground floor + 4 upper floors + terrace level [citation:6]
- 635 Rooms: Offices for Chief Minister, Ministers, Chief Secretary, Secretaries, and Heads of Departments [citation:2][citation:7]
- 30 Conference Halls: Spacious, modern meeting rooms for government business [citation:2]
- 24 Lifts: Ensuring smooth vertical movement across the building [citation:2]
- 2,000 Employees: The building is designed to accommodate 2,000 government staff [citation:2][citation:7]
🛕 Prayer Halls – A Symbol of Secularism
🕉️🕌⛪ Hindu, Muslim & Christian Prayer Halls: The government has built separate prayer halls for Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities within the secretariat premises. They have been made more spacious and beautiful than before, and the government has provided flexibility to get the construction done according to the wishes of the respective religious leaders. [citation:2][citation:7]
🎨 Landscaping and Amenities
- Landscaping Area: 7.72 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds [citation:6]
- Central Courtyard Lawn: 2.2 acres of green space [citation:6]
- Parking: 560 cars and 700 two-wheelers [citation:1][citation:6]
- Additional Facilities: Visitors' lounges, dining halls, temple, mosque, church, creche, utility building, fire department facilities [citation:6]
- Green Building Norms: Built with all Indian Green Building Council norms, meeting stipulations of fire safety, disaster management, and other mandatory regulations [citation:2][citation:7]
🏗️ Construction – A Marvel of Engineering and Speed
🏗️ Record-Breaking Construction (26 Months): Construction began in January 2021 and was completed in a record time of 26 months — significantly faster than the typical 5 years required for such a massive project. [citation:2]
Materials Used:
- Over 12,000 labourers worked in three shifts [citation:6]
- 7,000 tonnes of steel [citation:6]
- 35,000 tonnes of cement [citation:6]
- 26,000 tonnes of sand [citation:6]
- 1 lakh sq ft of marble [citation:6]
- 3 lakh sq ft of granite [citation:6]
- 60,000 cubic metres of concrete [citation:6]
- 11 lakh bricks [citation:6]
🎉 Inauguration – A Historic Day (30 April 2023)
🎖️ A Red Letter Day in Telangana's History: The new secretariat was inaugurated on 30 April 2023 with elaborate Vedic rituals including Sudarshan Yagya, Chandi Homa, and Vastu Homa. [citation:2][citation:9]
Chief Minister KCR arrived at the main gate around 1:15 PM, took a salute from a police contingent, unveiled a plaque, and cut the ribbon to formally inaugurate the building. He then proceeded to his chamber on the sixth floor, where he sat on his chair and signed some files — formally beginning the new secretariat's operations. [citation:2]
In his address to the gathering of Ministers, MPs, MLAs, MLCs, Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and Secretariat Staff, CM KCR said: "Today is a red letter day in the history of Telangana as the new state-of-the-art secretariat is inaugurated with fervour and much enthusiasm. The marvel structure of the new Secretariat is the epicenter of the state administration." [citation:4]
He also recalled the struggles of the Telangana movement: "During the Telangana movement, many anti-Telangana forces created trouble after the formation of Telangana. Political rivals raised many doubts and criticized the government's vision. The government did not take serious note and moved forward and built the state secretariat which is one of a few wonderful government structures in the country." [citation:4]
⏰ Visitor Information
📍 Address
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat
Saifabad, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500022
Nearby Landmarks: Hussain Sagar Lake, Dr. Ambedkar Statue, Telangana Martyrs Memorial, Lumbini Park
🕐 Visiting Hours
Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
General Public: Allowed from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Weekends: Limited access (check current public holiday status)
Note: Visitors need valid reason to meet officials. For general viewing, best seen from outside (evening lights are spectacular).
🚗 How to Reach
Metro: Khairatabad / Lakdi-ka-pul (Red Line)
Bus: TSRTC buses to Secretariat / Khairatabad
Auto/Cab: Easily available from anywhere in Hyderabad
Parking: Limited — use nearby public parking
📞 Contact
Official Website: telangana.gov.in
📅 Best Time to Visit
Evening (6 PM – 8 PM): The building is beautifully illuminated with Tiranga (tricolour) lights [citation:5]
Winter months (Oct-Feb): Most pleasant for walking around the lakefront
🏛️ Nearby Attractions
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Statue – 125-foot bronze statue adjacent to the secretariat
- Telangana Martyrs Memorial (Gun Park) – Largest seamless stainless steel memorial (adjacent)
- Hussain Sagar Lake – Heart-shaped lake with Buddha statue
- Lumbini Park – Urban park with laser show
- Birla Mandir – White marble temple on Naubath Pahad
- Necklace Road – Scenic promenade along Hussain Sagar
- Sanjeevaiah Park – 92-acre public park opposite the lake
📸 Photography Tips: The best photography opportunities include:
- Evening illumination – The building lit up with Tiranga (tricolour) lights is spectacular [citation:5]
- The two massive domes – Best captured from a distance to show full height
- Reflection shots – The building reflects beautifully in Hussain Sagar lake
- With Ambedkar statue – The 125-foot statue adjacent to the secretariat makes for a powerful composition
- From Birla Mandir – Offers a panoramic view of the secretariat, lake, and surrounding landmarks [citation:5]
- Sunset silhouette – The building's domes against the setting sun over Hussain Sagar
⭐ Did You Know?
• The Telangana Secretariat is the tallest state secretariat building in India at 265 feet [citation:2][citation:7]
• It took only 26 months to complete (typically 5 years) [citation:2]
• The building uses Dholpur red stone from the same quarry used for the Indian Parliament [citation:2][citation:7]
• Over 1,000 trucks transported the stone from Rajasthan to Hyderabad [citation:2]
• The building has 3 prayer halls (Hindu, Muslim, Christian) reflecting Telangana's secular ethos [citation:2][citation:7]
• Two royal dining halls are built on the Persian model [citation:2][citation:7]
• The sixth floor under the dome is reserved for President, Prime Minister, and foreign guests [citation:2][citation:7]
✨ Key Features Summary
- Official Name: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat
- Location: Saifabad, Hyderabad, on Hussain Sagar lakefront
- Height: 265 feet (81 meters) – India's tallest state secretariat [citation:2][citation:7]
- Construction Cost: ₹616 crore (US$73 million) [citation:1][citation:6]
- Area: 28 acres campus | 8.58 lakh sq ft built-up area [citation:1][citation:6]
- Construction Period: January 2021 – April 2023 (26 months) [citation:1][citation:2]
- Inauguration: 30 April 2023 by CM K. Chandrashekar Rao [citation:1][citation:4]
- Architects: Ponni Concessao & Oscar Concessao (OCI Architects, Chennai) [citation:1][citation:2]
- Main Contractor: Shapoorji Pallonji Group [citation:1][citation:2]
- Architectural Style: Indo-Saracenic with 34 domes [citation:2][citation:7]
- Building Features: 6 storeys | 635 rooms | 30 conference halls | 24 lifts [citation:2][citation:7]
- Employee Capacity: 2,000 government staff [citation:2][citation:7]
- Parking: 560 cars + 700 two-wheelers [citation:1][citation:6]
- Materials: 7,000 tonnes steel | 35,000 tonnes cement | Dholpur red stone (same as Parliament) [citation:2][citation:6]
- Prayer Halls: Hindu, Muslim, Christian [citation:2][citation:7]
- Nearby Monuments: 125-ft Ambedkar statue, Martyrs Memorial, Hussain Sagar, Lumbini Park
- Visiting Hours: Public allowed 3 PM – 5 PM (Monday-Friday)
📚 References & More Information
- Wikipedia – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat
- Darik News – KCR's Brainchild Telangana's Grand Secretariat Opens (2023)
- Telangana Government – Inauguration of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat (Official Press Release)
- UNI India – KCR inaugurates Dr BR Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat Building (2023)
- Deccan Herald – Telangana's Grand Secretariat, a brainchild of KCR, thrown open (2023)
- Wanderlog – Telangana State New Secretariat Visitor Reviews & Guide
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