Chennai-based architect Ponni M. Concessao has made history as India’s first woman to design a State Secretariat. The B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat, an impressive ten lakh square feet, surpasses the height of the Qutub Minar and Taj Mahal, blending modern facilities with stunning design. Three years ago, CM K Chandrashekar Rao invited designs for the new State Secretariat. Ponni and Oscar G Concessao’s selected design overcame pandemic challenges, completing the project in just twenty-six months.
Ponni’s design for the State Secretariat reflects Telangana’s grandeur and aspirations, blending Eastern and Western architectural traditions to honour Hyderabadi heritage. Awarded the Green Gold rating, it features locally sourced materials and cutting-edge sustainable solutions. The Planning concept for the New Telangana State Secretariat designed by Architects Ponni, Oscar, Rahul is based on Vaastu and contextual architecture. Architecture as an expression of democracy reflecting the aspirations of the people and history of Telangana was the basis of the design philosophy of the building. It is vital for the state’s population to have an emotional connect with the building and this was successfully implemented.
The Telangana Secretariat symbolizes pride and showcases the state’s rich heritage and dynamic future. Its design blends diverse cultural influences, drawing inspiration from local temples and palaces, including the Neelakanteshwara and Ramappa temples. The twin column facade reflects the Telangana Thalli from the state emblem, while the flooring motifs echo the UNESCO-listed Ramappa temple, embodying Telanganaโs architectural legacy.
The Secretariat features a striking facade with red sandstone cladding on the podium and beige Dholpur sandstone on the central tower, adorned with ornate arches. The design includes fluted columns, classical balustrades, and energy-efficient double-glazed windows. The grand entrance showcases an intricately carved door. Interiors blend Indian and French neo-classical styles with elegant finishes, acoustic panelling, and advanced audio-visual systems.
Exterior and Interior Materials
The Secretariat features a striking facade with red sandstone cladding on the podium and beige Dholpur sandstone on the central tower, adorned with ornate arches. The design includes fluted columns, classical balustrades, and energy-efficient double-glazed windows. The grand entry staircase combines Dholpur beige and Agra red sandstones, enhancing the building’s elegance and sustainability.
The Main Grand Entry
The Telangana Secretariat combines Hindu heritage architecture with modern sustainability practices, featuring green-rated electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Its design promotes gender and social equity, including equal toilets for men and women, a crรจche, and places of worship. Notably, it boasts thirty-four domes, a bronze Ashoka capital, bullet-proof windows, and impressive amenities like lounges, a sky lounge, and extensive conference facilities. The grand entry
door, the โBahubali Mahadwara,โ stands twenty-four feet tall.
Efficient Circulation & Accessibility
The main entry is located towards the East side and a separate entrance for the Chief Minister. The Chief Ministerโs floor is on the sixth floor and it has been designed for Vaasthu compliance for Chief Minister’s Chambers, Cabinet meeting hall, Chief Secretary, Advisors, Personal Secretaries, Support staff, VIP waiting areas and a separate secured entry and drop off for the Chief Minister.
Interior View of Chief Ministerโs Conference Room
The remaining floors have been planned for Ministers Chambers, various departments, support staff, conference rooms and General Administrative department. The lower floors accommodate large meeting halls, archives, VVIPโs, Dignitaries waiting, large reception, VIP waiting areas, police surveillances, Intelligent Building Management Systems (IBMS) Record rooms, stores etc.
Floor Plan Zoning of Telangana State Secretariat
The organization of function, sequences and space within the spaces are connected through twelve feet wide corridors. The upper floors accommodate the Banquet Hall, Dining hall, Ceremonial Hall and the Sky Lounge which is situated below the two large domes from where we can get a three sixty-degree beautiful panoramic view of the Hyderabad City. The Telangana State Secretariat has a total of thirty-four domes, which is a symphony of domes and a photographerโs delight. The
courtyard in the building is great booster for the flow of natural air and ventilation. The services such as stairs, CM lifts, Minister Lifts, visitor lifts, Fire lifts and physically challenged ramps are easily accessible from stairs and service ramps.
Corridor View of Telangana State Secretariat
The scale and proportion of the building gives feel of monumentality and classical symmetry. The pillars and facade pilasters are tastefully decorated and ornamented. The distribution of entrances, cores, service cores and toilet are designed as per Vaasthu Shastra. Alongside design for all lifts, fire staircases, utility rooms have been planned.
IGBC Gold Rating
The Telangana Secretariat features advanced smart systems, including energy-efficient lighting and cutting-edge security technology. Architect Ponni M Concessao’s design emphasizes contextual architecture, blending local culture and traditions. Her innovative approach and leadership mark a historic achievement in Indian architecture. The Secretariat stands as a testament to her talent, inspiring future generations in the field.
Fact File
Project Name: The Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat, Hyderabad
Location: Hyderabad
Plot Area: 28 Acres
Built up area: 12 lakhs sq.ft
Project Completion: April 2023
Architects: Ponni, Oscar, Rahul Architects
Name of the Firm: OCI Architects, Chennai
