Petals around CST statue found damaged

The building was built in 10 years starting 1877 and the railway offices shifted there after the dome was completed in 1888. Algae growth has turned the dome black and some crosses are missing. Cracks on the dome cause water to seep in,and erosion has affected the statue of the Lady of Progress that stands atop the dome,torch in one hand and a wheel in the other.

The restoration includes cleaning the gaps between the stones,exposing the cavities and removing algae. The minars and the sculptures are being given a protective coat. The missing crosses will be restored,giving the dome its old look.

Unlike the rest of the building,the damage could only be studied after climbing on the dome and surveying it closely. The dome is one of the last structures requiring restoration at building. “It was only when we climbed up that we found the petals badly damaged. So,it was decided to restore the petals,” said a CR official. Some part of the dome is visible from its base,but the damage to the petals could only be found after climbing the dome.

The restoration work,earlier expected to be completed at the end of last year,would now take longer.

The CR officials started the work of erecting scaffoldings in October last year,but the work could not be started due to off-season rain in October,as working at this height during rain and strong winds was risky. “We though that work would be over in 10 days,but it now taking more time than we expected,” said the official.