Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to right sidebar Skip to footer

Tag: #Telangana

Hyderabad-Somasila-Srisailam Helicopter: Telangana Tourism’s New Aerial Circuit

Telangana introduces helicopter tours on Hyderabad–Somasila–Srisailam route from April 2026.
Floating above the Krishna River will soon be possible thanks to new plans revealed by Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao. Soaring views of the dense Nallamala forests are now within reach. A fresh way to see one of Telangana’s holiest destinations begins to take shape. The journey there shifts, quietly, into something different.
The Route and Itinerary
The Helicopter Flies This Scenic Route

Hyderabad to Somasila Over Backwaters. Somasila to Srisailam Through Nallamala Forest. Srisailam to Hyderabad Same Day Return
On-ground activities included:
Boating on Somasila’s quiet backwaters
Darshan at Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple among the twelve jyotirlingas
Forest and river views along the Krishna
This could happen all in one day, turning a weekend or short visit into something smooth. A single stretch of hours might hold everything, shaping a trip without rush.
Project Implementation
A team is working alongside private air service groups to get things running. Just last week, official Jupally Krishna Rao stopped by Somasila, taking a close look at the helipad build still underway – checking progress before operations begin.
What Sets This Apart?

Soaring above gives a fresh look at the Krishna River beneath, tangled green forests stretching beyond sight. Back in Hyderabad before evening light fades, no need to wait overnight somewhere else. Skip the tiresome drive through heat and dust – roads that chew up half your day each direction. Prayer stops blend quietly with boat rides along quiet waterways, both feel part of the same journey.
Government Plans More Helicopter Tours
One reason this route works? It opens doors. Helicopter tours to more places across Telangana could start soon – officials are moving ahead. Locations like temples, lakes, and hill towns may be next. Progress here shapes what comes after

Nagarjuna Sagar Largest masonry dam with vast reservoir. Ramappa Temple Ancient stone temple recognized by UNESCO. Nizam Sagar Old dam set in quiet natural landscape.
Why Srisailam?
A temple called Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy sits in Srisailam, counted among twelve sacred Jyotirlingas as well eighteen powerful Shakti Peethas – this draws many who walk long paths for faith. Tucked within the Nallamala hills, the place rests beside flowing waters of the Krishna River like something whispered by earth itself.
Five to six hours by car right now from Hyderabad
Helicopter Travel Time Approximately 1 to 1.5 Hours
Quick Facts

Hyderabad to Somasila to Srisailam round trip. Starts April 9 2026. Run by Telangana Tourism and private air services. See Krishna River from above. Fly over Nallamala forests. Boat ride at Somasila. Visit Mallikarjuna temple. Later may include Nagarjuna Sagar. Ramappa Temple and Nizam Sagar on future list.

Telangana tourism’s heritage walk aims to spotlight Hyderabad’s cultural legacy

The Telangana Department of Tourism organized a special heritage walk on Saturday, tracing the historic stretch from the iconic Charminar to the magnificent Chowmahalla Palace. The walk drew participation from 60 women delegates of the Global Shapers Community, highlighting Hyderabad’s rich cultural legacy on an international stage.


A Walk Through History

The heritage walk covered one of Hyderabad’s most historically significant corridors, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the city’s architectural grandeur and storied past.

LandmarkSignificance
CharminarIconic 16th-century monument and symbol of Hyderabad
Chowmahalla PalaceFormer seat of the Nizams, known for its stunning courtyard and clock tower

International & National Participation

The delegates represented a diverse mix of global and Indian cities:

🌍 International Hubs:

CountryCity
United StatesChicago
MaldivesMalé
BhutanThimphu
Sri LankaKandy

🇮🇳 Indian Cities:

RegionCities
North/WestAjmer, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune
SouthBengaluru, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Coimbatore, Puducherry
East/CentralAmaravati

Why This Heritage Walk Matters

The initiative by Telangana Tourism serves multiple purposes:

  • ✅ Showcasing Hyderabad’s cultural legacy to international visitors
  • ✅ Promoting heritage tourism as a key driver of economic growth
  • ✅ Building global connections through platforms like the Global Shapers Community
  • ✅ Encouraging local participation in preserving historical landmarks

The Global Shapers Community Connection

The Global Shapers Community is an initiative of the World Economic Forum, comprising young leaders dedicated to driving positive change in their communities. The participation of delegates from multiple countries underscores Hyderabad’s growing reputation as a destination for cultural and diplomatic exchanges.


A Growing Trend: Heritage Walks in Hyderabad

Telangana Tourism has been actively promoting heritage walks across the city, including routes covering:

Walk RouteHighlights
Charminar to ChowmahallaQutb Shahi and Nizam architecture
Secunderabad CantonmentColonial-era buildings
Purana Pul areaOld bridges and markets

These walks are designed to educate both residents and tourists about the city’s layered history, from the Qutb Shahi dynasty to the Asaf Jahi Nizams and beyond.


What Participants Said

While specific quotes were not available in the source, delegates reportedly expressed appreciation for the well-preserved heritage and the opportunity to experience Hyderabad’s culture firsthand. The walk concluded with a sense of shared admiration for the city’s ability to blend tradition with modernity.


Looking Ahead

Telangana Tourism plans to organize more such heritage walks, targeting both domestic and international travelers. The department is also working on:

🏛️ Restoration projects for key heritage sites

🚶 Self-guided walking tour maps

📱 Mobile apps with audio guides

Christians in Hyderabad Observe Good Friday with Multilingual Services

Christians across the city solemnly observed Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ with special services, prayers, passion plays, and reflective gatherings. Major churches hosted multilingual congregations, drawing thousands of devotees.


Services at Major Churches in Hyderabad

ChurchLocationKey Activities
St. Mary’s BasilicaSecunderabadPassion play at 7 am, Holy Mass & veneration at 6 pm
CSI Wesley ChurchClock Tower, SecunderabadDay-long prayer sessions & reflections
St. Joseph’s CathedralGunfoundryDay-long prayer sessions & reflections
St. George’s ChurchAbid RoadDay-long prayer sessions & reflections

All services were conducted in multiple languages, including English, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, catering to the diverse congregation.


Passion Plays & Way of the Cross

Earlier in the day, many churches organized passion plays and the Way of the Cross, enacted by church youth. These powerful dramatizations depict the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life, from his condemnation to his crucifixion.

The prayer services saw large numbers of people in attendance, with devotees filling the churches for solemn masses and veneration of the cross.


Significance of Good Friday

Good Friday is observed in honor and remembrance of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. It follows Maundy Thursday, which recalls the Last Supper, and precedes Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection.

📖 The most important symbol of this day is the crucifix, or cross, which represents the way Jesus died.


A Day of Reflection and Community

Across Hyderabad, Christians spent the day in:

  • 🙏 Reflective sessions and silent prayers
  • ⛪ Community gatherings at local churches
  • 🎭 Passion plays depicting Christ’s suffering
  • ✝️ Veneration of the cross as a symbol of sacrifice

Looking Ahead

As the solemn observances of Good Friday conclude, the Christian community in Hyderabad now looks forward to Easter Sunday – a celebration of resurrection, hope, and new life.

SIR Hyderabad: No Documents Needed If Mapped to 2002 Electoral List

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is set to begin soon in Hyderabad and other districts of Telangana. Citizens are advised to understand the mapping rules and document checklist in advance to ensure their names are correctly included in the voter list.

Every elector needs to complete the following two essential steps before the exercise begins:

  1. Check their name in the current electoral roll.
  2. Check their or their relatives’ names in the 2002 SIR list.

Step 1: Check Current Electoral Roll

Enumeration forms are distributed only to those who are in the current electoral roll. Citizens can check their names on the Election Commission of India (ECI) website.

  • Name not found? Fill FORM 6 on the ECI website to register as a new voter.
  • Name found but details incorrect? Fill FORM 8 to correct the information.

Step 2: Understanding Mapping Rules for SIR in Hyderabad

During the SIR, every citizen will be able to find a place in the electoral roll either through mapping or by submitting documents.

Voter mapping is possible if their name or their relatives’ names are available in the 2002 SIR list.

Allowed Relatives for Mapping (6 in total):

TypeRelationship
DirectFather, Mother
MaternalMaternal grandfather, Maternal grandmother
PaternalPaternal grandfather, Paternal grandmother

✅ If a voter is successfully linked through mapping with any of these 6 relatives, NO documents will be needed at this stage.

Those who remain unlinked will receive notices later in the SIR process and must submit proof from a prescribed document list.


Document Checklist by Birth Year

The documentation required depends on the voter’s date of birth:

Birth Date RangeDocuments Required
Born before July 1, 1987Proof for self only
Born between July 1, 1987 and December 2, 2004Proof for self + one parent
Born after December 2, 2004Proof for self + both parents

Accepted Documents (Partial List):

  • Government identity cards or pension orders
  • Certificates issued before July 1, 1987 by public authorities or banks
  • Birth certificates, passports, educational certificates
  • Permanent residence certificates, forest rights documents
  • Caste certificates, family registers, NRC records (where applicable)
  • Government land or housing allotment papers

Note: For Aadhaar, separate Election Commission directions will apply.


Logical Discrepancies That Trigger Notices

Even after successful family mapping, voters may receive SIR notices in the following cases:

For Mapping with Parents:

  • ❌ Age gap between voter and parent is less than 15 years
  • ❌ Age gap between voter and parent is more than 50 years

For Mapping with Maternal/Paternal Grandparents:

  • ❌ Age gap between voter and grandparent is less than 40 years
  • ❌ More than 6 persons mapped with a single person listed in the 2002 SIR list

What to do if you receive a notice?
Voters just need to prove the relationship with the elector in the 2002 SIR list. You can submit any document (not necessarily from ECI-listed documents) to prove the relationship.


How to Respond to Logical Discrepancy Notices

Mapping TypeDocuments Needed
Mapped with parentsAny document mentioning both voter’s name AND father/mother’s name
Mapped with maternal grandparentsVoter’s document with mother’s name + Mother’s document with her father/mother’s name
Mapped with paternal grandparentsVoter’s document with father’s name + Father’s document with his father/mother’s name

Key Takeaway

As citizens in Telangana may be asked to prove their relationship with voters in the 2002 SIR list in case of logical discrepancies, family mapping needs to be done carefully and only with the allowed relatives.

Yuva Bharat Run 2026: A Tribute to Swami Vivekananda by Kishan Reddy & Leaders

This morning I was at the flag-off of the Yuva Bharat Run 2026 — a mass fitness run aimed at getting citizens, particularly young people, to take health seriously. Not as a resolution, not as a trend, but as a habit.

Who Was There
The flag-off brought together former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, IT & Electronics Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu, and organizer Kishan Reddy Gangapuram. It’s not every day you see that kind of gathering at a community run — and the turnout from participants matched the energy on stage.

What Kishan Reddy Said
His message was straightforward: a country can’t develop on paper alone. The people have to be well. Kishan Reddy made the point that physical fitness isn’t just personal ambition — it feeds directly into what a working, productive, progressing nation looks like. If the Viksit Bharat vision means anything at the ground level, it starts with people who are healthy enough to show up and do the work.
He also brought up Swami Vivekananda — not as a ceremonial reference, but as someone whose ideas about strength, discipline, and character still hold up. The run was framed partly around that spirit: build your body, build your mind, contribute something beyond yourself.

Why This Kind of Event Still Matters

Mass fitness runs get dismissed sometimes as feel-good optics. Maybe. But there’s something real about getting thousands of people outside and moving on the same morning, for the same reason. It normalizes the conversation around health in communities where gyms are expensive and sedentary routines are the default.
The Yuva Bharat Run 2026 won’t fix public health on its own. But as a nudge — especially for young people who haven’t yet built the habit — it’s worth more than another awareness poster.

No Fuel Shortage in Telangana: Dealers Urge Public to Stop Panic Buying

The Telangana Petroleum Dealers Association has issued an official statement to address the ongoing panic around fuel shortages in Hyderabad.


❗ What’s Happening?

Due to fake and misleading news about fuel shortage, many people rushed to petrol pumps and started filling their tanks unnecessarily.

This panic buying caused:

  • Fuel sales to increase 2.5 to 3 times normal levels
  • Temporary stock shortages at some petrol pumps

✅ Official Clarification

The association has clearly stated:

  • There is NO shortage of fuel
  • Adequate stock is available with HPCL, IOCL, and BPCL
  • Fuel supply chains are functioning normally

👉 The problem is not supply—it’s panic buying.


⚠️ Important Safety Warning

Carrying or storing petrol/diesel in cans is:

  • Against safety regulations (PESO norms)
  • Highly dangerous and can lead to fire accidents

This is not a safe or approved practice.


🙏 Public Advisory

Authorities are requesting citizens to:

  • Avoid panic buying
  • Do not store fuel in unauthorized containers
  • Buy fuel only as per regular needs
  • Do not believe or spread fake news

📌 Key Message

👉 There is enough fuel — stay calm and act responsibly

Unnecessary panic can create real problems, even when supply is normal.

Fuel Shortage Fears Trigger Panic Buying at Hyderabad Petrol Pumps

Hyderabad recently witnessed long queues and chaotic scenes at petrol pumps, as rumours of a fuel shortage triggered panic buying across the city.


🚨 Panic Buying Created the Problem

Despite the rush, officials have confirmed that there is no actual fuel shortage in Telangana.

The situation was mainly caused by:

  • Rumours spreading on social media
  • People overfilling tanks and stocking extra fuel
  • Fear-driven demand leading to sudden pressure on petrol pumps

Authorities clearly stated that fuel supply chains are fully operational and stock levels are sufficient.


⛽ Why Petrol Pumps Ran Dry Temporarily

Even though supply was adequate, several petrol pumps displayed “No Stock” boards due to:

  • Sudden spike in demand
  • Panic buying draining local stocks quickly
  • Temporary logistical adjustments at dealer level

In areas like Uppal, Attapur, and Chandrayangutta, many pumps either shut down temporarily or struggled to meet demand.


🔄 Additional Factors Behind the Chaos

The situation was also worsened by operational changes:

  • Oil companies shifting to an advance payment system for dealers
  • Dealers facing difficulty arranging large upfront payments
  • Weekend depot closures delaying supplies

Even with 60–90 days of national fuel reserves, local supply delays and a 50–60% surge in demand caused visible disruptions.


🚗 Impact on Citizens

The panic buying led to:

  • Long waiting times (up to 1 hour or more)
  • Traffic congestion near fuel stations
  • Commuters visiting multiple pumps to find fuel

CNG users were especially affected, with some waiting 4–5 hours for refuelling.


🏛️ Government Response

Authorities have urged people to:

  • Avoid panic buying
  • Trust official updates
  • Maintain normal fuel usage

They also warned against:

  • Hoarding
  • Black marketing
  • Spreading misinformation

Strict monitoring of fuel outlets is currently in place.


📌 The Bigger Lesson

👉 This incident shows how rumours can create real problems even when supply is sufficient.

Panic buying creates an artificial shortage, disrupting normal distribution and causing unnecessary stress for everyone.

Hyderabad Registration Offices Hit By Tech Glitches (Work Delayed)

Property registration services in Hyderabad are facing major delays due to technical glitches, causing inconvenience to hundreds of citizens visiting sub-registrar offices.


What’s Causing the Delay?

The main issue stems from server problems and heavy system load, which are slowing down the registration process. With a sharp rise in property transactions, the digital infrastructure is struggling to handle the volume efficiently.

Officials have pointed out that:

  • Frequent server downtime interrupts registrations
  • Systems take time to restart after glitches
  • Online slot booking platforms are also under pressure

Increased Workload Adds to the Problem

Registration offices are witnessing a significant surge in daily applications. In some offices, registrations have nearly doubled—from around 20–30 per day to 50–60 transactions daily.

However, the workforce hasn’t increased proportionally. Many offices rely on limited staff and outsourced employees, making it difficult to manage the growing demand efficiently.


Impact on Citizens

Due to these issues:

  • People are forced to wait for hours
  • Some have to return multiple times to complete registrations
  • Delays are affecting property deals and documentation timelines

Need for Better Infrastructure

Experts and officials suggest that resolving the issue will require:

  • Stronger server capacity and technical support
  • Better digital infrastructure upgrades
  • Increased staffing in high-demand offices

Interestingly, registration offices in smaller districts are facing fewer issues due to lower transaction volumes and upgraded systems.


The Bigger Picture

While Telangana has made progress in digitizing public services, this situation highlights a key challenge:
👉 Technology upgrades must keep pace with rising demand

Without proper scaling, even advanced systems can slow down essential services like property registration.

No More Interstate Vehicle Hassles: Telangana Integrates Vahan Portal

In a major step toward digital transformation, the Telangana government has integrated its vehicle services with the national Vahan portal, aiming to make vehicle-related processes faster, simpler, and more transparent.

Until now, vehicle owners in Telangana often faced delays and complications during interstate transfers, including multiple visits to RTO offices, paperwork, and manual verification. With this new system, those challenges are expected to disappear.

The Vahan portal acts as a centralized national database for vehicle registration, allowing seamless access to vehicle information across states. This means services like:

Ownership transfer

Address updates

Duplicate registration certificates

Loan (hypothecation) updates

can now be handled digitally without visiting multiple offices.

One of the biggest advantages is smooth interstate vehicle movement. Buyers and sellers no longer need to travel to different states for documentation, as all records are now connected through a unified system.

The move also improves transparency in second-hand vehicle transactions, allowing users to check ownership history, pending dues, and other details easily—reducing the chances of fraud.

In addition, the Telangana government has scrapped the extra 2% lifetime tax on used vehicles, making vehicle transfers more affordable.

Overall, this integration marks a shift toward “One Nation, One Vehicle Database”, helping reduce delays, improve compliance, and enhance convenience for citizens—especially in a fast-growing city like Hyderabad.

Sanofi Expands Hyderabad GCC, Adds Nearly 2,000 Jobs in India

French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi is deepening its commitment to India with a major expansion of its Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Hyderabad. The company plans to add nearly 2,000 new jobs, increasing total headcount at the centre from over 2,600 employees to more than 4,500 professionals.

The expansion reflects Sanofi’s long-term strategy to strengthen its global operations by leveraging India’s growing pool of high-skilled talent in research, technology, and digital innovation.


Significant Investment to Support Growth

The expansion will be backed by a multi-hundred-million-dollar investment, though the company has not specified an exact hiring timeline. This move builds on Sanofi’s 2024 commitment to invest €400 million (approximately $474.6 million) in its India GCC operations by the end of the decade.

The investment signals a shift toward scaling high-value functions in India, positioning the Hyderabad centre as a critical part of Sanofi’s global ecosystem.


Focus on Innovation and Advanced Capabilities

The additional roles will span across several strategic domains, including:

  • Research & Development (R&D)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Data Innovation and Analytics
  • Medical Affairs
  • Commercial Capabilities
  • Corporate Functions

This indicates that Sanofi’s Hyderabad centre is evolving beyond traditional support services into a global innovation hub that contributes directly to enterprise-wide strategy and transformation.


India’s Growing GCC Ecosystem

Sanofi’s expansion comes at a time when India’s Global Capability Centre ecosystem is witnessing rapid growth. According to Anarock:

  • India hosts more than 1,700 GCCs
  • These centres employ over 1.9 million professionals
  • The GCC market could grow to $105–110 billion by 2030
  • The number of centres may exceed 2,400 by the end of the decade

What were once considered cost-efficient back-office operations have now transformed into innovation-led centres driving digital transformation, R&D, finance, and global operations.


Hyderabad: A Strategic Pharma Hub

Hyderabad has increasingly become a focal point for global life sciences and technology companies. The announcement precedes the city’s flagship biotechnology conference, BioAsia, where global pharmaceutical leaders such as Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Merck, and Sanofi are expected to discuss research expansion and India’s pharmaceutical growth trajectory.

The timing further underscores Hyderabad’s growing importance in global healthcare innovation.


A Strategic Shift in Global Operations

For Sanofi, the Hyderabad GCC is emerging as a cornerstone of its global strategy. As pharmaceutical companies rebalance supply chains and invest heavily in digital capabilities, India’s skilled workforce and strong ecosystem make it a preferred destination for long-term investment.

This expansion not only strengthens Sanofi’s operational capabilities but also reinforces India’s position as a global hub for advanced research, AI, and pharmaceutical innovation.