Central Railway celebrates World Heritage Day 2025 with a special exhibition and heritage walk at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus | File Photo
Mumbai: Central Railway celebrated World Heritage Day 2025 with great enthusiasm and pride, coinciding with its 172 years of distinguished service to the nation.
Observed annually on 18th April, World Heritage Day was instituted by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and the need for its preservation. The theme for 2025, as proposed by ICOMOS, is “Disaster and Conflict Resilient Heritage Actions in Relation to Safeguarding Heritage.”
To mark the occasion, a special Heritage Exhibition was organized at the Heritage Alley, located between Platforms 14 and 15 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai. The exhibition drew the attention of passengers and history enthusiasts, showcasing rare artefacts and captivating glimpses into the glorious past of Indian Railways.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus was beautifully illuminated with multicolour lights. The 138-year-old architectural marvel, designed by British engineer Frederic William Stevens, is a stunning example of Indo-Gothic architecture.
Its Construction began in 1878 and was completed in 1888 at a cost of ₹16,13,863. The building blends Victorian Gothic Revival style with Mughal and traditional Indian architectural elements, symbolizing India’s rich and diverse heritage.
Today’s program began with paying homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by garlanding his statue located at CSMT Mumbai.
A ‘Heritage Walk’ was conducted as part of the celebrations, led by Shri Prateek Goswami, Additional General Manager, and Shri Subodh Kumar Sagar, Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer, along with Principal Heads of Departments.
The walk highlighted the architectural grandeur of CSMT and celebrated the rich legacy of Indian Railways, people from various walks of life, members of Civil Defence, Scouts & Guides, sanitation workers, and a large number of Railway staff also actively participated in the walk.
In addition, a Fire Brigade Exhibition was held at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, by Mumbai Fire Department, aimed at creating awareness about fire safety, especially concerning the protection of heritage structures and artefacts.
Central Railway has undertaken significant efforts to conserve and promote its heritage across various locations:
• Byculla Station, one of the oldest surviving railway stations in India, was part of the first historic train journey from Bori Bunder to Thane on 16th April 1853. Now 172 years old, the station has been meticulously restored to its original Gothic architectural glory and continues to be preserved with great care.
• The Neral–Matheran Light Railway, a 118-year-old heritage line, commenced operations in 1907. This scenic narrow-gauge railway remains a delightful experience for adults, children and senior citizens alike. It offers passengers a unique journey through lush forests and hilly terrain, preserving the charm of vintage rail travel.
Central Railway remains deeply committed to preserving the timeless legacy of Indian Railways while embracing modernization and innovation for a progressive future.
