Hyderabad: The restoration and revival work of Sardar Mahal, located near Charminar, has been stalled for several months due to delays in clearing pending bills for contractors. The Quli Qutb Shah Urban Development Authority (QQSUDA) initiated the project with a cost estimation of Rs 30 crore, with plans to transform the historic building into a tourist destination featuring an art studio, cultural center and café. A QQSUDA official explained, “Work was halted because the contractors have not been paid due to a lack of funds. If funds were available, we would not have stopped the project.”
Local shopkeeper Basheer shared his frustration. “The work has been suspended for the last five months and officials have stopped visiting altogether,” he complained. Ameer, another resident, added, “Many people still visit the old GHMC office at Sardar Mahal, unaware that it has been relocated to four different places.”
Sardar Mahal, built in 1900 by Nizam Mir Mahbub Ali Khan in a European architectural style, was originally constructed as a gift for Sardar Begum. However, she reportedly declined to live in the palace due to its failure to meet her expectations, and it was never occupied.
In 1965, the GHMC took control of the building due to unpaid property taxes. The structure was later declared a heritage site by the Heritage Conservation Committee and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach).
