To Secunderabad Railway Station, With love!

A place that brings a memory rush to everyone living around this place. In olden days, temples used to be the center for economic and cultural progress in important cities but for most Secunderabad people the station was the symbol of growth and progress and center to their world.
                                      

We could talk about any aspect of life and this place would have a contribution.
My grandfather worked here since Nizams days where it was a major hub for economic activity, transport and military movement. My dad worked in a bank and also worked at a place called Rail Nilayam which along with Sanchalan Bhavan used to be the pillars of the SCR headquarters. It not only provided livelihood to many but was the pivotal link of Secunderabad to the future.

Ever observed the different kind of markets that blossomed around Secunderabad Railway station in 5km radius - was it a coincidence, absolutely not! Iconic places like Alpha hotel thrived because of its peerless location.

During my childhood, the backyard of the now Platform 6-10 used to be our cricket ground that's the first time I played with a cricket ball with people double my age.
Watching trains getting washed automatically to hearing about the new trains being introduced it was fascinating.

During my school days to reach home we used to walk via the Railway station as a short cut cutting across platforms indulging in all the sights and sounds. There was no concept of a platform ticket back then. Seeing all goods being loaded and unloaded sparked so many questions that were promptly answered by my dad.

Railways used to make money on transport of goods rather than on subsidised people travel. Understanding this later in life made me realise the massive workforce involved in this organization.

The iconic building, the oliphant Bridge, the reservation complex, the Rathifile bus station, the famous "Masjid, Mandir and Golden Bakery together" roads leading us to this place.

From being excited for summer vacations to Chennai to knowing about Rail routes around India - it made us understand India and Indians better. Not to forget train travel and friends you make leaves you as a richer human.

From being a simple railway station to becoming a very busy junction we have seen this place from no roofs to becoming one of the cleanest railway stations in the country with facilities. We have seen the erstwhile simple platforms to platform expansions ,major expansion works to now rebuilding it for the future. It is like you ask any relative abour SCR headquarters memory and they can give you a podcast of dense information.

It is heading towards modernization now and the main facade was got down after nearly 7 decades. It is something we all relate to as locals, it was the single biggest icon of the station for us with "Secunderabad" written in multiple languages.

Hoping all this is a necessary change with the growing population and travel demands. I've not had a kid of my own but seeing this place modernize feels like our kid is going abroad for studies. 😅

Have any Secunderabad Railway station stories, do share☺️