CSMT Gets a Fresh Look, INR 2,700 Crore Revamp Planned
The historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), a UNESCO World Heritage site and a cornerstone of Mumbai’s rail history, is undergoing significant cleaning and restoration efforts by Central Railway (CR), with the cleanup nearing completion ahead of the 3 February deadline. This date holds historical significance, as it marks the anniversary of the first train on the electrified line between Kurla and the then-Bombay Victoria Terminus in 1925.
The cleanup, which forms a part of a larger ₹2.50 crore project, is an attempt to restore the grandeur of the Victorian Gothic building that has weathered decades of air pollution, leaving its stone facades blackened. Senior CR officials stated that the exterior of the building, including the iconic clock tower and the entryway, has been cleaned using water in a meticulous process that covered the entire length of the structure. The cleaning efforts were initiated after delays in the maintenance work by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), the agency originally responsible for preserving the site. Though the exterior is undergoing basic cleaning, with a particular focus on areas facing the street and the courtyard, specialists have raised concerns about the frequency of such cleanings. Some experts argue that excessive cleaning, even with water, could lead to discolouration of the stonework over time.
They recommend more scientific techniques, with a focus on cleaning only the visibly dirty areas rather than overhauling the entire structure, which could risk damage to its delicate stone surfaces. The restoration project is part of the ongoing CSMT redevelopment, which aims to revamp the terminus and its surrounding areas. As the work progresses, the budget has seen an increase, with railway officials now seeking INR 2,700 crore in the upcoming fiscal year to complete the overhaul, up from the initial INR 2,450 crore. The revamp is expected to include extensive redevelopment near the Wadi Bunder area, where new office spaces, multi-level parking facilities, and other amenities are being constructed to support the growing needs of the station.
The RLDA’s efforts over the past few months have seen around 10 to 12 percent of the revamping work completed, including the construction of new office buildings to accommodate displaced Central Railway staff. Meanwhile, new structures are also being developed to integrate modern amenities into the station’s historic fabric. As the cleaning drive reaches its final stages, the focus now shifts to the major renovation that promises to transform CSMT into a state-of-the-art railway hub while preserving its architectural legacy. The project is expected to play a pivotal role in accommodating the rising traffic at one of India’s busiest train stations, ensuring its functionality for years to come while maintaining its historical significance.
