Railway wall in Begumpet forces 1,000 maids into costly detours
HYDERABAD: A decades-old shortcut used by hundreds of domestic workers in Begumpet has been sealed off by railway authorities, leaving nearly 1,000 maids from low-income neighbourhoods facing longer commutes and higher travel costs to reach their workplaces.
The Methodist Colony Welfare Association (MCWA) has appealed to the Divisional Railway Manager of South Central Railway in Secunderabad, urging temporary regulated access until a permanent solution, such as an underpass, can be constructed.
For over 30 years, women from the LIG areas of Matajinagar and Brahmanwadi north of the Begumpet railway tracks have crossed near Begumpet Railway Station to provide essential services as maids, cooks, and helpers to more than 2,500 households in Methodist Colony, Umanagar, and Kundanbagh on the southern side.
Most of these women earn just ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 a month, juggling jobs in multiple homes each day to survive. For them, the shortcut was more than a time-saver, it was a lifeline, especially for the elderly residents who rely on their care.
A few months ago, railway authorities erected a wall along the crossing, citing safety concerns and the need to prevent accidents on the tracks. While well-intentioned, the move has created what the MCWA calls an “existential crisis” for the maids.
Now, with their shortcut gone, these women must detour through Begumpet station and along the busy road beside the Lifestyle store, adding nearly two kilometers to their daily trek. The alternative route means auto-rickshaw fares of ₹50 to ₹60 per trip, a heavy blow for those scraping by on modest wages.
“A small access left open is now being closed too,” stated Major Shiva Kiran, President of MCWA further added that “We request temporary access through a small gate with a security guard, allowing use of the escalator steps at Begumpet station until a long-term solution is found.”
The issue has also drawn political attention. Senior Congress leader Dr. Neelima Kota, along with local representatives Vishal Soodam and Corporator Sangeeta Srinivas Yadavgav, recently met with the affected maids and assured them of a resolution.
In its appeal, MCWA has expressed willingness to help manage regulated access and ensure safety until an underpass is built. The association emphasizes that these women provide indispensable support, especially to senior citizens, and that cutting off their route disrupts not only their livelihoods but also the daily lives of the families they serve.
