CST joins pyramids in world heritage list

Mumbai's favourite landmark, the awe-inspiring Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus CST, has joined the Taj Mahal and the pyramids in the World He...

Mumbai8217;s favourite landmark, the awe-inspiring Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus CST, has joined the Taj Mahal and the pyramids in the World Heritage Site list. The UNESCO8217;s World Heritage Committee 8212; currently having its 28th annual session in Suzhou, China 8212; approved the nomination proposal of the 116-year-old rail terminus today.

Inscribing CST on the list, the committee lauded it as 8216;8216;an outstanding example of the meeting of two cultures8217;8217;, thus making it the first example of 19th century architecture in India to be awarded this status.

While designed by English architect F.W. Stevens, the terminus was built by several local artisans and imbibed an array of indigenous influences such as the grand octagonal dome and stone jali work. And its richly detailed embellishments include local floral and animal motifs such as the peacock, as UNESCO says, 8216;8216;a new style unique to Bombay8217;8217;.

The successful nomination was preceded by proposals at various stages and visits by UNESCO conservation officials in September 2002, who offered suggestions to the railways on preserving the site8217;s historic character.

Besides, the obvious prestige the World Heritage Site tag brings, crucial changes on the ground are in store for the terminus. The building will have access to the best know-how in international conservation.

Further, the main building of the terminus 8212; it currently serves as the headquarters of the Central Railways 8212; will have to be decongested by reducing the number of officials.

Most importantly for Mumbaikars, a detailed tourist development plan will be put in place for CST. Today, while 30 lakh commuters rush through the terminus daily, much of the site8217;s history and legacy remains unconveyed and inaccessible. Now, having received the status, the most important parts of CST 8212; its grand central stairway, stained glass panels in the drum of the dome depicting locomotives and a heritage room 8212; may now be opened up to citizens.

Then 038; now8230;

8226; 116 years is how long the CST had been around

8226; 1080 stops in all and 30 lakh commuters everyday

8226; 900 clocks keep time at the terminus

8226; 700 employees at the grand three-storey GM building

8226; Second Mumbai spot on the list, after Elephanta Caves

Story continues below this ad

8226; Designed by English architect F.W. Stevens with octagonal dome and stone jali work blended with floral and animal motifs, a 8216;new style unique to Bombay8217;

8226; The most magnificent portion of the structure 8212; its grand central stairway, stained glass panels in the drum of the dome which depict locomotives, and a heritage room 8212; must now be opened to citizens

8226; The main building of the terminus, currently the railway headquarters, must be decongested

8226; Terminus gets international knowhow, resources for conservation