Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus – Mumbai

Formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station, Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai is one of the most visited places in India by the tourists. It is a historical site and a railway station that is also the headquarters of the Central Railways in Mumbai.

The terminal has also been adjudged as a heritage site by UNESCO and is the busiest railways terminal in India where each day thousands of commuters board and de-board trains.

It is one of the most outstanding examples of Victorian Gothic architecture in India that draws comparisons to late medieval Italian architecture that also takes inputs from traditional Indian architectural style.

The station’s name was changed to Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus from Victoria terminus Station in 1996. It was designed by the British architect F.W. Stevens and built over 10 years, and has a beautiful stone dome, turrets, and pointed arches.

The ground plan is inspired from both traditional Indian style of architecture and Victorian Gothic style. The wood carving on the exterior and the pattern of tiles, ornamental railings and staircases is a wonder in itself. The railway architectural marvel presents a perfect solution to the structural and technical problems even in the modern times.

The central dorm of the terminal and its most prominent feature is a 330 feet long platform structure that is well connected to a 1,200 feet long train shed. The internal structure of the complex is well designed and the ceiling of the hall is painted in blue, gold and strong red colors and lined with perfect glazed tile pattern imported from Britain.

It is widely belied that this structure represents a true blend of technology from industrial revolution and the Gothic Revival style in India. To further upgrade it to modern times, plans are already underway.