James Street Police Station: A 19th-Century Landmark Comes Back To Life

One of Hyderabad's oldest police stations, located on what was once known as James Street in Secunderabad, is back in the spotlight. Built in 1877, this colonial-era building had been left unused and damaged for years. Now, thanks to a detailed restoration led by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), it has been brought back to life.

A Building That Tells a Story

The James Street Police Station isn't just another old building. It's a reminder of the city's British colonial past. Back in the day, it played an important role in the British Cantonment area of Secunderabad. The road was named after James Achilles Kirkpatrick, a British Resident, and the station later got its name changed to Ramgopalpet Police Station, in honor of Seth Ramgopal Malani, a local businessman who helped fund the station and donated its clock in 1900.

In 1998, it was officially listed as a heritage building, which meant it couldn't be torn down and had to be protected.

Why It Was Left Empty

Though the structure stood tall for many years, time eventually caught up with it. Rainwater leaked through the roof, wooden beams became weak, and modern materials like cement made things worse. In 2016, the police department moved out, calling the place unsafe. For nearly nine years, the building was left unused.

How the Restoration Happened

The restoration wasn't a quick fix. It took 14 months and cost close to ₹1 crore. The HMDA led the work with help from conservation architect G.S.V. Suryanarayan Murthy and contractor Mir Khan. Every part of the project was handled with care and attention to historical detail.

Removed cement and synthetic paint that had damaged the original walls.
Repaired the roof, including special types called Madras terrace and jack-arch roofs.
Replaced wooden rafters that had rotted over time.
Reapplied lime plaster on the walls so the structure could "breathe."
Restored the windows, doors, and interior floors to look and feel like they did long ago.

The final coat of cream-colored paint was based on old photographs and matched the station's original look.

The Clock Tower and Its Bell

One of the most striking features of the building is its clock tower, which still stands over MG Road (formerly James Street). The clock itself has been restored and now works again.

The original 400-kg brass bell, however, couldn't be reinstalled at the top of the tower—it was just too heavy for the old structure. Instead, the team placed it safely in a glass case on the ground floor for people to see. A digital bell has been installed to sound just like the original.

Back to Work: The Police Return

The Ramgopalpet Police Station is now returning to its original home. The HMDA officially handed the building over to the Hyderabad City Police, and it is set to reopen soon, with an inauguration planned by Minister Ponnam Prabhakar.

There is also talk of using part of the building for cybercrime investigations, though parking on the busy main road may be a challenge.

Why This Matters for Hyderabad

This restoration is more than just fixing an old building. It's about saving the city's story. The James Street Police Station is a symbol of Hyderabad's rich history, and bringing it back shows that the city respects its past—even as it grows and modernizes.

Not far from here, modern developments like Godrej Regal Pavilion Rajendra Nagar are coming up. Together, these projects reflect a city that values both heritage and progress.

A Place of Pride

Many people in the area have memories linked to this building—watching the clock tower, walking past its big front door, or attending events. Now, they can see it stand proud once again. It's not just a building; it's a part of Hyderabad's identity.

The restoration shows that old structures can have a future too, if given the right care.