Visiting Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is the main rail hub of Mumbai in India. Construction began in 1878, and the site has held UNESCO World Heritage status since 2004. Its eclectic design fuses Victorian Gothic revival architecture with elements borrowed from traditional Indian palaces, such as the stone dome, turrets, and rows of pointed arches lining the facade. The architect, F.W. Stevens, collaborated with local Indian artisans to complete the structure.
An Indo-British architectural landmark
Today, the station remains a primary example of Indo-British heritage. Features inspired by medieval Italian Gothic style are visible throughout, particularly in the intricate carvings, gargoyles, and ornaments depicting local flora, fauna, and human faces. At the main entrance, two columns topped by a lion representing the United Kingdom and a tiger representing India illustrate the historical connection between the two nations.
During the British era, the station was known as Victoria Terminus in honor of the Queen of England, who celebrated her Golden Jubilee the same year the station opened. It was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in 1996 by the nationalist political party Shiv Sena to honor a 17th-century Maratha king. Preservation efforts for this local and international landmark intensified in the early 2000s. The station is now protected by a buffer zone of approximately 90 hectares to shield it from urban real estate development.
The gateway to Mumbai
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus handles more than three million commuters and tourists every day as they head into the center of Mumbai. While the original design featured only four platforms, the station has expanded significantly. It now includes seven suburban platforms and eleven additional lines located outside the historic main building.
The Mumbai train station has stunning architecture, a mix of Indian and European styles. The building is very well preserved and inspires a sense of grandeur. Obviously, there are tons of people around, which can be a bit overwhelming, just like everywhere else in Mumbai. For my part, I did not linger too long.