Century-old Shah-Ali-Banda clock tower lies silent five months after blast

The historic Raja Rai Clock Tower in Hyderabad has remained non-functional for over five months after a blast and fire at a nearby electronics showroom damaged the structure. Residents are demanding immediate restoration of the century-old landmark, once part of a grand Nizam-era palace.

Hyderabad: It’s been over five months, and the hands on the magnificent clocks on the century-old Raja Rai Clock Tower or Raja Rai Rayan Devdi Gadiyal, also popularly known as the Shah-Ali-Banda clock tower, have remained still. They just do not tick.

It was in November 2025, following a blast at an electronic showroom located adjacent to the clock tower in November last year, that the clock stopped functioning. The clock tower structure too suffered partial damage due to an explosion and fire at the electronic showroom.

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Since then, the authorities have not undertaken any steps to repair the clock or restore the edifice. The GHMC had carried out repairs of the structure in 2023 and restored the clock. “After the explosion and fire at the electronics showroom, the clocks suffered damage. It is an iconic monument of locality and should be repaired immediately,” said Manish Agarwal, a local resident.

The clock tower was built in 1904. It combines European styles with hints of local architecture. The uniqueness of the clock is that it showcases time in four languages: English, Hindi, Roman and Telugu.

The clock tower was part of the big royal residence (Devdi). Historians say that the Devdi belonged to the family of Rai Raiyans, the daftardar (revenue officer) in the court of Nizam III Sikandar Jah from 1795-97.

It was built in 1757; however, the clock tower was added later. The palace was originally spread over 2.5 acres and its architecture was one of the best in the princely state. Over a period, a large portion of the magnificent palace was demolished slowly and the clock tower and some parts of the noble edifice remain now.