Mumbai Railways Station Mahotsav At Neglected Reay Road Sparks Irony
Mumbai, the Central Railway recently observed an unannounced ‘Station Mahotsav’ at six stations, including the historic Reay Road, sparking widespread irony. Despite directives to celebrate heritage, the century-old Reay Road station building has remained closed since February 2022 due to a new bridge’s misalignment, rendering it unusable. Critics suggest the hastily organized events, lacking public engagement, served merely as a compliance exercise rather than a genuine celebration of railway heritage. This highlights a disconnect between official directives and the ground reality of urban infrastructure development, raising questions about planning efficacy.
The “celebration” at Reay Road involved a fresh coat of paint, even for steel dustbins, though the historic basalt stone staircase was only partially covered. Barricades blocking access to the heritage building were also painted. A heritage information board and some balloons were added, alongside a selfie point that disappeared by evening. The station has been effectively shut down and barricaded since a new bridge, constructed by the railway infrastructure development corporation, was built without aligning proper entry and exit routes, leaving the century-old structure isolated and inaccessible to commuters.
The Railway Board had issued a nationwide directive to celebrate the centenary of heritage railway stations across India, identifying 143 stations for such observances. These events were intended to foster community participation and highlight historical milestones. However, in Mumbai, officials reportedly staged superficial events, focusing on social media uploads rather than genuine public engagement. Reay Road, a heritage-listed station, commenced operations on December 12, 1910, as the original terminus of the Harbour Line, named after Lord Reay, a former Governor of Bombay. It remains among Mumbai’s significant heritage railway stations, including Bandra, Mumbai CSMT, Byculla, and Churchgate.
The Reay Road Station Mahotsav reveals significant challenges in heritage preservation amidst rapid urban development. It underscores the critical need for integrated planning that respects historical structures while building modern infrastructure. Ensuring accessibility and purpose for heritage sites, rather than superficial observance, is vital for Mumbai’s cultural legacy and sustainable urban future.
