3 min readMumbaiJun 11, 2015 02:53 AM IST
First published on: Jun 11, 2015 at 02:53 AM IST
UNESCO will help restore damaged or missing structures on the station building and also design surrounding areas.Western Railway has appointed UNESCO as a consultant for heritage conservation work at the 146-year-old Bandra railway station. UNESCO will be involved in restoration of damaged or missing structures on the station building and also design the surrounding areas. Sloping Mangalore tiled roofing, spacious layout and Grecian facade add to the charm of the heritage building.
In April this year, the Mumbai division of Western Railway, which is in charge of the heritage conservation work at the building, sent a proposal for approval to S K Sood, General Manager, WR, to refurbish the station building.
Following the GM’s nod, UNESCO was approached and it accepted the offer. The railway authorities were notified about it in the first week of June. UNESCO will be paid Rs 23 lakh for the job.
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According to a senior officer from the Railway Board in New Delhi, a memorandum of understanding will be signed soon between Indian Railways and UNESCO in Mumbai. This heritage conservation work aims to restore the image of Bandra as the “queen of suburbs”.
On February 11, 2015, Manu Goel, Executive Director, Heritage, Railway Board , inspected the station with Western Railway officials to draw plans for restoration work. The station has been identified as a National Rail Heritage site by Western Railway as well as Grade I heritage building by the Maharashtra government.
In his inspection report dated February 23, 2015, Goel said, “This will be possible with the succinct communication and tourism development strategy, which needs to be promoted in conjunction with Mumbai city and Maharashtra tourism.’’
“We need to work closely with local residents, private companies that have head offices in Bandra, and citizens’ advocacy groups to create an integrated development plan. Bandra station needs to be integrated into the heritage walks and local festivals of Bandra,” Goel said in the report.
As directed by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, some stations of Mumbai will be developed from tourism point of view. Bandra station is very crucial due to its location as well as heritage value. “Our vision is to restore the station to its original pristine glory and showcase it as a treasured heritage asset,” said a senior Western Railway official.
Kalpana.Verma@expressindia.com
UNESCO will help restore damaged or missing structures on the station building and also design surrounding areas.
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