India: Mumbai – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

A visit to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Visiting the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai felt less like stepping into a railway station and more like walking into a piece of living history. The building is one of India’s most iconic landmarks, instantly recognisable with its ornate Victorian Gothic design. Set in the heart of the city, the station has been a bustling hub of activity since it opened in 1887, the same year Queen Victoria was crowned Empress of India. It was originally known as the Victoria Terminus, built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of her reign, but in 1996 it was renamed in honour of the Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Today, the station continues to serve as a vital artery for Mumbai’s railway network, with millions passing through daily, yet it still retains the elegance and grandeur of a different age.

🏗️ The Story Behind the Station

The station was designed by the British architect Frederick William Stevens, who took inspiration from Victorian Gothic Revival architecture while also weaving in traditional Indian elements. Construction began in 1878 and took over ten years to complete, with the final cost so high that Stevens himself became one of the most talked-about figures in colonial Bombay. What stands today is a blend of domes, pointed arches, and turrets, together with intricately carved stone, iron railings, and decorative tiles. The central dome, topped with a majestic figure holding a torch, symbolises progress and victory. When it opened, the station not only marked a new era of railway travel in India but also reflected the power and ambition of the British Raj.

🚂 A Living UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 2004, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a recognition of its architectural importance and historical value. Unlike many heritage buildings which are preserved purely as museums, this station is still a fully functioning railway hub, one of the busiest in Asia. Long-distance trains depart daily for destinations across India, while suburban trains keep Mumbai moving on a daily basis. Standing on the platforms, watching the constant flow of passengers, it is remarkable to think that the same tracks have been in use for more than a century. Despite the modern trains and endless crowds, the original spirit of the place endures. The carvings of lions, peacocks, and other creatures stare down from the stone walls, silent witnesses to the passing of time.

🖼️ Exploring the Architecture Up Close

Walking around the station is a rewarding experience in itself. The façade is decorated with stained glass windows, gargoyles, floral motifs, and sculpted figures that tell stories of both Indian and European influence. Inside, the vaulted ceilings and wide staircases feel almost cathedral-like. The booking hall, with its high arches and tiled flooring, is worth pausing in to appreciate the craftsmanship. Every corner seems to hold some detail that could easily be missed in the rush of daily commuters. From the outside, the building looks especially beautiful at sunset, when the golden light of the evening softens the stone and highlights its features. At night, the station is lit up, turning it into a glowing beacon in the middle of Mumbai’s busy streets.

📜 A Place Where History Meets Everyday Life

For all its grandeur, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is still a place of work and movement, not just a monument. It is here that Mumbai’s energy becomes most visible: vendors selling snacks, passengers rushing to catch their trains, policemen keeping order in the crowd. The station has witnessed more than just daily life – it has seen moments of celebration and sorrow, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks which left a deep scar on the city. Yet it continues to stand firm, a reminder of both resilience and heritage. To walk through its halls is to understand how history, architecture, and the daily lives of ordinary people can all come together in one place.

🌆 Final Thoughts

Visiting the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus was more than just a stop to admire architecture; it was an encounter with Mumbai’s past and present woven together. The building tells the story of colonial ambition, Indian pride, and the enduring spirit of a city that never stops moving. For anyone travelling to Mumbai, the station is not just a point of arrival or departure but a destination in its own right, offering a chance to step back in time while still being in the centre of modern urban life.