Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 19 Jun, 2023
- |
Welcome to the blog post on Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, one of India’s most iconic heritage buildings. Located in Mumbai, this railway station has a long and rich history associated with it. It is one of the most popular tourist spots and also an important gateway to many parts of India. In this blog post, we will take a look at some interesting facts and information about this structure and provide a handy guide for travelers. We will delve into its past, present and the role it plays in the city today. By the end of this post, you will be more familiar with this unique historical landmark. So let’s get right into it!
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) is the busiest railway station in India and the 19th busiest railway station in the world.
2. The Victorian Gothic building of CST was designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens in 1887.
3. CST was initially called as Victoria Terminus. It was only on March 1996 that the station was renamed as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus after the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji.
4. CST was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004.
5. The structure consists of intricately carved stone decorations, ornamental ironwork and 8 stone balustrades that depicts the animals of Hindu mythology.
6. CST has around 14 platforms and two disembarkation areas.
7. CST also houses the corporate headquarters of Central Railways (CR) and Western Railways (WR).
8. CST pedestrian Subway was constructed in the year 2006 for the convenience of the commuters.
9. CST is the oldest railway station in India still working.
10. CST has a great historical importance that it served as the first cremation ground of Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare whom the king Shivaji had put in charge of building the fort at Sinhgad.
History & Information About Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly known as Victoria Terminus) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an historic railway station located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It serves as the headquarters of the Central Railways in the city.
Originally built in 1888 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus was designed by the British architect F.W. Stevens. The building combines elements of Indian Islamic and Victorian Gothic revival styles, and symbolizes the imperial prowess of the British Raj.
The building is one of the busiest railway stations in India, with more than 3,000 trains and 500,000 passengers daily. It also serves as a terminus for several other long-distance rail routes to other parts of India. The station was renamed in 1996, in honor of the 17th-century Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji.
Today, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of the most iconic structures in Mumbai. It is a symbol of the city’s vibrant history and is one of the most popular tourist sites in India. From its soaring spires and stone sculptures, to its intricate interior and stained glass windows, the station offers a glimpse into Mumbai’s past as well as an impressive reflection of its vibrant present.
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Travel Guide For Visiting Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
I. Introduction:
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) is an important railway station for the city, located in the Fort district of Mumbai. This beautiful railway station is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is known for its magnificent Victorian Gothic architecture. The station is well-connected to the rest of the city and is home to many trains headed to various parts of the country.
II. What to Do:
1. Take a Tour of the Station: Visitors can take a guided tour of the CST, conducted by the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Tours. The tour includes a visit to the main hall of the station and its railway tracks. Once inside the station, visitors can admire the intricate architectural details of the building, its stained glass windows, the intricate carvings, and the grand dome.
2. Visit the Shops & Restaurants: The station is home to many shops and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy a quick bite while waiting for their train or shopping for souvenirs.
3. Explore the Station’s Surroundings: Visitors can explore the the Fort area and soak in the city’s history and culture by visiting nearby landmarks such as the Gateway of India, the Colaba Causeway, and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The train station is also close to several museums and galleries, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya.
III. Where to Stay:
The CST is a major train station and is close to many budget-friendly hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Visitors can choose from one of the many options in the area, including the Hotel Terminus, the ITC Maratha, and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
IV. How to Reach:
The CST is located in the heart of Mumbai and is connected to all other coaches and cities via regular trains. Visitors can also take a taxi or other public transport such as the local bus or a shared cab or auto-rickshaw to reach the station.
V. Tips and Tricks:
1. Make sure to check the train time beforehand to avoid any delays or missed connections.
2. Book your train tickets in advance, as there may be long queues at the station.
3. Carry an identification document or a passport for the ticket counters and security checks.
4. Carry your own food and water as there are limited options available around the station.
5. Ladies should avoid travelling alone at night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Q. What is Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)?
A. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) is a historic railway station in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It serves as the headquarters of the Central Railways and is a prominent landmark in the city of Mumbai. It was the first railway station in India constructed over a decade after the country gained independence from the British in 1947.
Q. How far is Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus from Mumbai Airport?
A. The airport is approximately 19 km (12 mi) away from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. The journey usually takes between 40-60 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Q. What amenities are available at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)?
A. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) offers a variety of amenities and services including ATM, food stalls, Wi-Fi, lounges, prayer room, doctor-on-call, and retail stores.
Q. What is the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)?
A. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) was originally built in the late 1800s by the British to facilitate transportation between Bombay (now known as Mumbai) and other regions in India. It was completed in 1887 and was then known as Victoria Terminus. In 1996, it was renamed in honour of Indian warrior-king Chhatrapati Shivaji and today continues to serve as one of the important railway stations in the city of Mumbai.
