In a move aimed at improving commuter safety and curbing illegal activities around one of Cyberabad’s busiest transit hubs, police on Tuesday (June 23, 2026) inaugurated an outpost directly beneath the KPHB Metro Station.

The outpost, the first such facility near a Hyderabad Metro Station, has been set up in response to a growing number of complaints about street prostitution, drug peddling, drunken brawls and harassment in and around the station area, a major residential and commercial hub in Kukatpally.

Speaking to The Hindu, Kukatpally Deputy Commissioner of Police Ritiraj said soliciting had emerged as one of the most persistent complaints received by the police. Despite regular vehicle patrols, maintaining a constant presence on the stretch had become difficult as patrol teams were also required to respond to emergency calls and other law-and-order duties.

“Visible policing was needed here. Patrol vehicles cannot remain stationed at one location throughout the day. We require dedicated personnel for regular foot patrols and close monitoring of the area,” he said.

Primary focus

The official said the outpost’s primary focus would be ensuring the safety of metro commuters, particularly women travelling during late hours, while simultaneously cracking down on soliciting and small-scale drug peddling reported around the station premises.

The location was chosen strategically as the area remains active well into the night, with auto-rickshaw drivers and commuters frequenting the stretch until the early hours.

“There have been instances of drinking, nuisance and extortion in the area. We have also seen cases of intoxicated youth from nearby localities getting involved in brawls and disturbances near the metro station,” a Kukatpally police official said.

While one or two personnel will remain stationed at the outpost at all times, the majority of the team will be deployed on foot patrols in the surrounding areas. Around six personnel will be assigned during the day, with the strength increasing to about 12 at night when complaints tend to rise.

Specialised units, including She Teams, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and crime teams, will also be part of the patrolling effort.

Assistance to metro passengers

Officials said the outpost would provide immediate assistance to metro passengers facing harassment, stalking, disputes or other safety concerns. While cases cannot be formally registered at the outpost, complaints can be received and forwarded to the Kukatpally police station, located about two kilometres away.

The move comes more than a year after a police outpost was inaugurated at the C-Level arrival area of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in March 2025. Set up amid rising passenger footfall, the facility has helped police respond more quickly to emergencies, assist travellers and curb illegal activities within the airport premises.

Police officials said they hope the KPHB outpost will strengthen visible policing around the metro corridor and address long-standing complaints relating to crime, nuisance and public safety.