Central Prison at Cherlapalli rolled out major reforms and upgrades in 2025

The Central Prison, Cherlapalli, implemented a series of infrastructural, healthcare and rehabilitative reforms this year, reinforcing its status as a model prison under the Telangana Prisons Department’s reform-oriented approach. The initiatives focused on inmate rehabilitation, modernisation of facilities, reduction of overcrowding, prison industries and staff welfare.

After a gap of five years, the Annual Sports Meet for prisoners was held in 2025. A total of 220 inmates from across the State stayed at Cherlapalli for two months, underwent training and participated in the event, which officials said was aimed at promoting discipline, teamwork and positive behavioural change.

Healthcare facilities at the prison were upgraded, with the hospital modernised to a capacity of 100 beds and the medical dispensary equipped with new laboratory, diagnostic and dental facilities. Individual medical files and digitised health records are now maintained for each inmate to ensure better monitoring and continuity of care.

Administrative buildings, officers’ chambers, barracks and prison walls were renovated and repainted while cleanliness standards were improved across the premises. Prisoners were involved in maintaining a prison garden as part of skill-building initiatives.

A barrack building project with a capacity of 300 prisoners, which had remained stalled for four years, was revived and brought to the final stages of completion. The facility is expected to become operational shortly and ease overcrowding at the prison.

Prison industries were modernised with advanced equipment, and prison-made products were standardised and branded with a uniform logo. A store room-cum-godown was established within the prison, and a proposal is under consideration to set up a dedicated retail outlet for prison-made articles.

A separate barrack has been earmarked for a de-addiction centre, which will provide counselling and rehabilitative support for inmates affected by substance abuse. The meditation hall and meeting hall inside the prison were also renovated to support inmate well-being and organised activities.

Staff welfare measures included the conversion of unused staff quarters into a recreation and function hall and the construction of new restrooms for outside escort police personnel.

Central Prison, Cherlapalli, received several high-level visits during the year, including during the 7th All India Prison Duty Meet. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay and Telangana Minister D. Sridhar Babu visited the prison and reviewed its industrial units, while senior police officers, women IPS officers, IAS Officers’ Wives Associations and 203 trainees from All India and Central Civil Services also toured the facility.

At the 7th All India Prison Duty Meet held in 2025, the Central Prison, Cherlapalli, was awarded the Gold Medal for Best Prison Hygiene following a nationwide assessment by the Bureau of Police Research and Development.