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Heritage Gallery Upgradation, Theme Lighting & More; Western Railway HQ Preps For 125th Anniversary

The Western Railway Headquarters will complete 125 years in January 2024. As part of its anniversary celebrations, the Western Railway has planned a number of refurbishment projects as well as events.

by Tooba Shaikh
Heritage Gallery Upgradation, Theme Lighting & More; Western Railway HQ Preps For 125th Anniversary

The Western Railway Headquarters will complete 125 years in January 2024. As part of its anniversary celebrations, the Western Railway has planned a number of refurbishment projects as well as events. The iconic building has been a part of the skyline of Mumbai for more than 124 years. It was originally constructed in 1899. Here are all the important details that you would need to know about this particular exciting news.

Western Railway HQ Preps For 125th Anniversary

Created by the then Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway or BB&CI, this particular building will complete 125 years in January 2024. As of now, it serves as the headquarters for Western Railway. As such, a number of refurbishments as well as events are planned to commemorate this milestone. The events will take place during the next month.

According to an article which was recently published by The Times Of India or TOI, WR is spending around ₹7 crores on this refurbishment. As per an official’s statement cited in the article, cleaning the facade and removing clutter will be done as part of this refurbishment. In addition to this, theme-based lighting will also be installed.

As per a mid-day article, the west facade will be cleaned. The windows and doors of the Gothic-style building will also be restored. There is a heritage gallery on the ground floor of the building which will be upgraded. In addition to this upgrade, another heritage gallery will be added on the third floor. There will also be a section dedicated to Audio Visual or AV in this new gallery.

Also Read: Flying Ranee: Passengers Found Torn Seats, Broken Armrests On Day 1 Of Upgrade; Western Railway Assures Repair

About This Particular Iconic Building In South Mumbai

The construction of the building began in May 1894 and it was completed in January 1899. The structure, known for its distinctive and charming Gothic architecture, was designed by F W Stevens. As per the mid-day article, the headquarters wasn’t always in Mumbai. Initially, the HQ of BB&CI was first in Surat. It wasn’t until 1863 that the HQ shifted to Bombay.

Even then, it was first located at Lalbaug in Parel. After an increase in the workforce, the HQ was shifted to Grant Road and then to Fort. Finally, after the building was completed, the HQ found a more permanent home. Since then, it has added to the charm of South Mumbai with its majestic architecture. It is one of the buildings which give South Mumbai its charm. Because it is now completing 125 years, its dome will also be cleaned and the passage rafters will be replaced.

Also Read: There Was Once A Colaba Railway Station Where Mumbai’s Badhwar Park Stands Today; It Closed In 1930

Have you ever seen this iconic building? Did you know any of these interesting facts about this building? Let us know in the comments section below!

Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

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First Published: December 03, 2023 11:23 AM