Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is a historic railway station located in Mumbai. It is one of the busiest and most iconic railway stations in the country and serves as a major transportation hub in India and its surrounding areas. The station is renowned for its stunning architecture, which blends Victorian Gothic and traditional Indian styles.

The construction of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus began in 1878 and was completed in 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. It was designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens, who combined elements of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival and traditional Indian architectural styles, resulting in a unique and grand structure.

The station features pointed arches, turrets, spires, stained glass windows, and ornamental iron and brass railings, with an exterior adorned with sculptures and carvings depicting various animals, figures, and motifs. The central dome of the station is a prominent feature, rising to a height of 160 feet (48.8 meters) and crowned with a statue of a woman holding a torch.

Apart from its functional significance, the station holds immense historical and cultural importance. It was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in 1996 to honor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the revered Maratha warrior king. The station stands as a symbol of Mumbai’s rich heritage and architectural grandeur.