For the first time in Telangana, a team of 80 specially trained ‘tourist police’ will begin duty from Monday at major tourist attractions across the state to ensure the safety, comfort, and confidence of both domestic and international visitors.

The initiative — part of the Telangana Tourism Police Policy 2025–30 — aims to make travel in the state safer and more visitor-friendly through the creation of specialised tourist police units, women-friendly safety measures, and a Tourism Friendly Index (TFI) to assess safety standards at key destinations.

The personnel underwent extensive training at the Police Academy, followed by a special orientation at the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM) between October 6 and 11, said Valluru Kranthi, Director of the Department of Tourism.

The officers will be deployed at popular tourist destinations across seven districts, including Charminar, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, and other iconic sites in Hyderabad.

The rollout also covers attractions such as the Yadadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Pochampally, Bhongir Fort, and Keesaragutta in Yadadri district, Ananthagiri Hills, Kotapalli Reservoir in Vikarabad, Ramappa Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Medaram’s Sammakka-Sarakka Temple in Mulugu

Buddhavanam, Panagal’s Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple, and Cheruvugattu Temple in Nalgonda Parnasala, Kinnerasani Dam in Bhadradri Kothagudem Amrabad, and Somasila temples in Nagarkurnool

The tourist police units, inaugurated on World Tourism Day (September 27) during the Telangana Tourism Conclave, mark a major step toward professionalising tourism security in the state.

To complement the initiative, CCTV surveillance has been ramped up across major tourist hubs to enhance monitoring and ensure swift response to emergencies, officials added.