Hyd: Transport, Policing, Protection Major Concerns For Night Workers In City Operating 24/7

HYDERABAD: Envisioning a city active throughout the night affects many groups—surgeons finishing emergency surgeries, women completing their shifts, delivery workers, and travelers waiting for midnight buses—all relying on the city at unconventional hours.

In April 2023, Telangana implemented a legal framework allowing shops and establishments to operate round-the-clock, with regulations including mandatory weekly rest, regulated employee work hours, overtime compensation, women’s consent for night shifts, and transportation provisions for female workers.

Despite these measures, challenges remain around nighttime public transport, policing, sanitation, public restrooms, worker safety, and community regulations.

Concerns Highlighted by Stakeholders

Vijay Reddy Mallangi, media lead and south zone head of the Cockroach Janta Party, emphasized the city’s inadequate day-time transport facilities to question expectations for night operations. Speaking at a September 6 roundtable in Hyderabad organized by the Swatantrata Centre and Political and Democratic Reforms, he advocated for piloting 24/7 operations in select areas due to deficiencies in policing, sanitation staff, public transport, and essential infrastructure like public toilets.

Ranjith Kumar Duguntla, co-founder and director of operations at the Swatantrata Centre, called for a comprehensive nighttime economy vision that includes retail, logistics, and daily services alongside food and entertainment.

Regulatory Details and Employee Perspectives

According to Government Order Ms. No. 4, shops that register and pay an annual fee of Rs 10,000 are exempt from fixed statutory opening and closing hours if they comply with police regulations.

Duguntla noted that employees often work during the day, making their leisure time start late at night, around 9 or 10 pm.

Challenges Faced by Nighttime Workers and Residents

Dr. Natesh Kolusu, an orthopaedic surgeon frequently working into early mornings due to emergencies, highlighted the disconnect between service hours and night workers’ needs. He suggested extending office hours on select days or offering late-night dining options to accommodate such demands. Emergency surgeries concluding at 1 or 2 am create routine needs for accessible services like food.

The Hyderabad Metro Rail starts at 6 am, with last train departures between 11 pm and 11:35 pm depending on the line. Jhanvi Natta, a professional relying on private transport after late work or social activities, commented that nights become quiet after 11 pm, forcing people to rush home.

Insights from Other Cities and Community Coordination

Drawing parallels, New York City operates a 24-hour subway and bus system and has an Office of Nightlife that coordinates businesses, residents, and public agencies. Natta noted that active night operations increase safety and reduce the intimidation of traveling alone.

Mallangi referenced New York’s MEND program, which mediates between hospitality businesses and residents to address quality-of-life concerns. He suggested Hyderabad should similarly address nighttime commerce and neighborhood issues jointly.

Essential Infrastructure and Worker Welfare Concerns

The availability of accessible public restrooms at night remains a significant issue for night workers. Shaik Salauddin, founder-president of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, stressed difficulties accessing washrooms, food, fuel, and emergency support during night shifts. He emphasized that nighttime work is necessary for livelihoods, not leisure.

Economic Impact of 24/7 City Operations

The Swatantrata Centre estimates that a fully implemented 24/7 operational model in Hyderabad could boost the city’s annual GDP by $1.5 billion (approximately Rs 12,222 crore).

Key Takeaways

  • Telangana’s legal framework permits 24/7 business operations with employee protections.
  • Significant challenges persist in transport, policing, sanitation, and infrastructure for nighttime workers.
  • Nighttime worker needs include safe transport, accessible public facilities, and extended service hours.
  • Community coordination modeled on initiatives like New York’s MEND program is essential for balancing commercial and residential interests.
  • Full 24/7 implementation could substantially boost Hyderabad’s economy.