On this day, the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) in Mumbai was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, honoring its architectural brilliance, cultural importance, and historic legacy.
Formerly known as Victoria Terminus, the station was built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Today, it stands not only as a bustling railway hub but also as a symbol of Mumbai’s colonial history and modern vitality.
Designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens, the station is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, blended with traditional Indian architectural forms.
Key features include:
- Ornate turrets and pointed arches
- Stained glass windows
- Intricate stone carvings of animals, flora, and mythical creatures
- A massive central dome and clock tower
Serving over 3 million passengers daily, CST is the beating heart of Mumbai’s railway network, connecting local, regional, and national rail lines. It is also a symbol of the city’s resilience and heritage, having witnessed both everyday commutes and historical events—including the tragic 2008 Mumbai attacks.
When UNESCO inscribed CST on the World Heritage List in 2004, it praised the terminal as “an outstanding example of late 19th-century railway architecture in the British Commonwealth, perfectly illustrating the influence of two cultures through its innovative design.”
Two decades later, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus remains a timeless reminder of India’s colonial past, architectural grandeur, and evolving urban identity. It’s not just a station—it’s a living piece of history.
