CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ TERMINUS
The most impressive example of Victorian Gothic architecture in India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Railway Station (formerly Victoria Terminus) is a rich extravaganza of domes, spires and arches. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was designed by Frederick William Stevens and decorated by local art students and craftsmen for Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. It was completed in 1888, a decade after work began. Now the headquarters of the Central Railway, it caters to over 1,000 trains and 3 million passengers, including suburban commuters who throng the station daily.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus at dusk
NEED TO KNOW
Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Rd, Fort Area • 022 2265 6565
- Right outside the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is the popular food stall Cannon Pav Bhaji. Run by women, it is famous for its pav bhaji and gulab jamun.
- Head to the station between 11–11:45am to catch sight of the dabbawallas ferrying lunches from homes on board suburban trains.
1. Portrait Medallions
Studded into the façade are busts of Rajera personalities, such as colonial administrator Sir Bartle Frere.
2. Central Dome
A 4-m- (13-ft-) high statue of “Progress” holding a torch crowns the top of this colossal dome, while a stately blue stone staircase with iron railings sweeps up beneath. Gargoyles that are shaped like animal heads jut out from its base.
3. Stained-Glass Windows
Set into the octagonal tower below the dome are brilliantly coloured stained-glass windows, decorated with a locomotive and foliage. These stunning windows are also found over the first platform, where both natural and artificial sources of light illuminate the intricate designs.
The beautiful stained-glass windows at CSMT
4. Gables
Statues embodying engineering, science, and commerce crown the gables of the west façade, while agriculture is represented on the gable to the south.
5. CSMT in Films
The booking hall and façade of Mumbai's iconic railway station have been featured in cinema, including films such as Slumdog Millionaire and Ra.One.
6. 2008 Terror Attack
This terminus was one of the sites of the 2008 terrorist strike. The events evoked a global outcry for better measures against terror, as well as a strong sense of and unity within the country.
7. Stone Carvings and Sculptures
CSMT features carved screens and friezes depicting elephants, monkeys and snakes, while windows boast carvings of local birds and flowers. The two entrance-gate piers are topped by stone sculptures of a lion and a tiger, symbolizing Britain and India, respectively.
Lion sculpture at the entrance pillar
8. Suburban Railway
The current local train network serves 7.5 million riders a day. It evolved from the passenger railway built by the British, the first in Asia. The inaugural train ran between Bori Bunder (now CSMT) and Thane, in 1853.
9. Booking Hall
Known as the Star Chamber, the booking hall is covered by a Neo-Gothic vaulted roof with wooden ribs. Stained-glass, colourful tiles and decorative iron grilles add to its beauty.
The Star Chamber
10. Fort Area
Full of beautiful architecture, the protected financial district that circles the station gets its name from the now-demolished Fort George.
DABBAWALLAS
The dabbawallas of Mumbai provide one of the city's most efficient services, even taking bookings through their website. Freshly-cooked lunches from over 2,00,000 suburban homes, packed in round stainless-steel containers are picked up from each house, and the lids are colour-coded for different areas. These are then handed over to other members at the nearest local train stations, who deliver them to the respective offices. Tiffin boxes rarely go astray, and empty dabbas are returned the same day.
