Telangana Opens Fifth Jail Museum at Chanchalguda to Document Prison Evolution

Hyderabad: The Telangana Prisons Department has inaugurated a new Jail Museum at the State Institute of Correctional Administration in Chanchalguda, offering visitors an in-depth look at the history of prison systems and the lives of inmates within them.

This addition marks a significant milestone for the state, as Telangana now hosts India's fifth Jail Museum, joining similar facilities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Goa.

The department had previously maintained a museum at Sangareddy, which sustained structural damage and eventually collapsed. DG Prisons Soumya Mishra spearheaded efforts to revive this initiative, working alongside senior prison officials to reimagine the concept on a larger scale. The earlier collections were relocated to SICA in Chanchalguda, where they were systematically developed into a comprehensive, professionally curated museum space.

Exhibits and Educational Focus

The museum features an array of historical prison artefacts alongside recreated jail cells, restraints, chains, and scale models of prison industries. Beyond these tangible displays, the space emphasizes the rehabilitation and correctional programmes that the Telangana Prisons Department has implemented over time.

Dedicated sections showcase prison industries, agricultural initiatives, and skill development schemes, all underscoring the department's commitment to inmate reformation and rehabilitation. Audio-visual galleries provide comprehensive information on prison administration, inmate visitation procedures, court transfers, and the day-to-day operations of correctional facilities, enabling visitors to gain practical insights into how prisons function.

Immersive Experience

A standout feature is the "One Day Jail Experience" programme, conceptualized under the "Feel the Jail" initiative. Through this offering, visitors can sample prison meals, observe living conditions firsthand, and participate in routine daily activities to gain a tangible understanding of incarcerated life.

The museum welcomed its first visitors on April 28, 2026, at the Chanchalguda facility.