Crisp facts :

Location : D.N. Road Mumbai

Architectural style : Venetian Gothic

Built in : 1888

Highlights : Site for UNESCO Heritage

Visit Time : Anytime

History :

Built in 1888, it was named after the Queen of England as ‘Victoria Terminus’ and the name was changed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, after the name of the greatest Maratha King ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’. India’s first ever steam engine was flagged of from this terminus, way back in April 1853.

Earlier famous as Victoria Terminus, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of the busiest and the oldest railway stations in India. The D.N. Road in Mumbai, where this station is situated, witnesses lakhs of passengers both inward and outward here. It is not only one of the historic structures of the city; it is an integral important part of the Mumbai suburban railway. Chhatrapti Shivaji Terminus is also the head quarters central railway of the country and other than local trains, a number of long distance trains also arrive and depart from this terminus. In the year 2004, World Heritage Committee of UNESCO, declared Victoria Terminus or the Chhatrapti Shivaji Terminus as a World Heritage Site. This title has given Chhatrapti Shivaji terminus, a distinction throughput the world. Built in the year 1888, this is a typical example Venetian Gothic Style of Architecture. Its architecture also has some reflections of Indian Traditional Architecture. Specially the intricate wood carving, tiles, railings made in brass, ornamental iron; all this beautifies the interior of this terminus. Grand stair cases have been secured with railings and all ticket issuing offices have grills too. Students of Bombay School of Arts, worked very hard and diligently to add to this massive structure by designing the above mentioned embellishments. The entire structure of Chhatrapti Shivaji Terminus was designed by Frederick William Stevens, who was an Architect and gave consultation on this, mega construction. He was paid a whooping fee of 16.14 lakh rupees, in those days, which meant a lot of money. It was named in the honor of the Queen of England, and was called ‘Victoria Terminus’, which took almost ten long years to complete. Subsequently, the year 1996 saw its name changed from ‘Victoria Terminus’ to “Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus’ - a King of the Marathas.

The massive dome in the center, very sharp and pointed arched towers that almost touch the sky, and the floor that was very unconventional; all put together make this terminus a sight worth visiting. All those who go to Mumbai for touring, must see this giant piece of art which is a wonderful and amazing combination of Indian Traditional and Venetian Gothic Architecture. If one was to observe Indian Palaces, one would find a striking resemblance with the structure of the terminus. Chhatrapti Shivaji terminus is quite important in the history of Indian railways, as well. The Country’s first engine run on Steam was flagged off from this very railway station. This steam engine steamed on the tracks between Mumbai and Thane. It is now regarded as one of the greatest landmark of the times that passed by.