History of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), Mumbai

  Kiran K.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) is very famous railway station in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India and also a UNESCO "World Heritage Site" declared in 2004. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station formerly known as "Victoria Terminus(VT)" and it was built-in 1888, designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens. CST station is the perfect mixture of Indian and British designs. In the past period, 'Bori Bandar' area which located East side of Mumbai, was the important place for commercial and trading activities. This "Bori Bunder" area of Mumbai was redesigned by F.W. Stevens and named it as "Victoria Terminus". This station got its name from that time reigning royal Queen Victoria. It is one of the busiest railway stations in India and it serving terminal for both long-distance trains and local commuter trains of the Mumbai Suburban Railway. This station's name was changed in March 1996 and it is now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST).

        The construction of this station took 10 years to complete and it was built in 1888 in the Bori Bunder area of Mumbai to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. At that time, this structure was the most expensive structure in Mumbai, the total cost of this structure is more than 260,000 sterling pounds at that time. The designer Frederick William Stevens received ₹1615000 (US$24,000) as the payment for his services. The new CST station and its headquarters were built by the Central Railway. In 1996, the Railways Minister Suresh Kalmadi, changed name of the station from Victoria Terminus(VT) to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) in the honour of The great worrior Chhatrapati Shivaji, founder of the Maratha Empire. On the entrance gate of Chhatrapati Shivaji terminus you see the figures of a lion and a tiger which representing two countries India and Great Britain. The structure of CST station was inspired by St. Pancras Station in London and both stations have same Gothic Architecture, which commonly found in the 18th - 19th century in Mumbai. It made with limestone and sandstone, the interiors of this station are designed with Best-quality Italian marble. Apart from the 18 platforms, the CST also the main headquarters of railways.
        Everyday more than 3 to 4 million people used this station and because of that this station is one of the most busiest railway station in India., F.W. Stevens (Architect of The Victoria Terminus) also designed Royal Alfred Sailor’s Home (At present, its Mumbai Police Headquarter), Municipal Corporation Building and Flora Fountain. CST station has also appeared in several films like, Oscar award-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire" directed by Danny Boyle.

Nearest Tourist Attractions
Flora Fountain
Juhu Beach
University of Mumbai
Gateway of India
Marine Drive
Crawford market
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Elephanta Caves
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

How To Reach
By Rail:
It is very easy to reach the CST station by rail if you are travel on central railway line, and if you are coming from other harbor or western railway line, then you can reach CST by using local transport.

By Road
Mumbai to Pune Expressway was the first expressway built in india. Mumbai is well connected by road that leads to all major cities in India. It served by NH 2, NH 3, NH 4, NH 8 and NH 17.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. It is not only a historical place but is also one of the biggest commercial business center of Mumbai. In 26/11 Mumbai attacks more than 58 people died here and more than 100 people were injured. The newest five-star Taj hotels that were also attacked by the group of terrorist. CST station is much more than a railway station and it located in the heart of every Mumbaiker.......