The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, formerly known as the Victoria Terminus (VT) in honor of the then-reigning Empress of British India, is one of the most lavish and spectacular Gothic Revival buildings ever constructed in Mumbai. For any tourist to Mumbai, it is a must-see location. In addition to being one of the most spectacular and historic landmarks, this 133-year-old heritage building is one of the nation’s largest and busiest railway stations.
The Central Railways’ head office is located at the railway station, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is conveniently accessible to all areas of the nation. One may relive the colonial past through the building’s Victorian-Gothic Revival architecture and marvel at the wonders of its exceptional design.
The Taj Mahal is the national landmark that receives the most photos, followed by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The monument, which resembles London’s St. Pancras Railway Station, is incredibly stunning at night. The monument is illuminated with vibrant lights at night, accentuating its splendor and encouraging most visitors to take pictures of it.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus History
As CST was then known, construction of the Victoria Terminus began in 1878 and was finished in 1887, or just over ten years after the project’s beginning. The station was constructed to house the Great Indian Peninsular Railway’s administrative offices, now Central Railway.
When Bombay (as the city was then known) served as India’s largest and most important port, the site on which the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is now located served as a storehouse for items intended for import and export to be stored. Before the CST was constructed, it was the location of Bori Bandar, India’s first railway station. The first passenger railway in India ever ran from Bori Bunder Station to Thane in 1853.
A giant railroad station was urgently needed to handle the rising demands of one of the busiest ports in the nation. Consequently, the notion of constructing a big station surfaced.
Change of Names
In honor of Queen Victoria, the Empress of India, who celebrated her golden jubilee, the station, which was once known as Bori Bunder and served as the terminal of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway from 1853 to 1888, was renamed Victoria Terminus. But in 1996, the station was again given a new name in honor of the legendary Maratha Warrior Emperor and creator of the Maratha Empire, Chhatrapati Shivaji. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, or CST, is now generally known by the locals and was given a new name.
The government took another action in December 2016 to rename the terminus once more to Chhatrapati Shivaji “Maharaj” Terminus, and the official letter of the name change was published in May 2017. However, locals still frequently refer to both of the former names, VT and CST.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Architecture
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is famous for an architectural wonder that stands out, particularly for its cutting-edge structural and technical solutions that combine industrial technology with gothic revival design. Axel Haig, a draughtsman, created the watercolor sketch for the terminus, while Frederick William Stevens, a British architect, and engineer, made the final design.
The Victorian-Gothic Revival style of architecture is the main one used in the construction of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Both Italian and classical Indian elements were added to it. The arches, skyline, ground plan, and turrets all exhibit influences from the Indian classical style. Students from the Sir J.J. School of Arts completed the work on the tiles, wood carvings, metal, iron, and brass linings, stairway railings, and grills of the ticket buildings.
Entry Fees and Timings of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai
Being the hub for Central Railways and a critical junction, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is open 24/7, 365 days a year.
There is no entry fee to enter the terminus.
Places to visit near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai
- Gateway of India
- Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
- Fashion Street
- Colaba Causeway
- Marine Drive
- Chowpatty Beach
- Taraporewala Aquarium
- Malabar Hill
How to Reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is a landmark in itself, making it easy for visitors to reach. Moreover, every local suburban train and many long-distance trains stop here from around the city.
When coming by road, the terminus is reachable via NH 2, NH 3, NH 4, NH 8, NH 17, and NH 22, depending on which way one is driving from.
Also, within the city, intercity buses, which are also called BEST buses, ply to CST. In addition, taxis and rental cabs from top car rental companies in Mumbai are another means of transportation that one can use to reach CST.
If you are planning to visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, then you must check out our Mumbai tour packages.
