A "BOMBAY GOTHIC" in World Heritage List

Chhatrapati Shivaji maharaj Terminus (CST, formerly known as VT : Victoria Terminus), one of the busiest train stations in India, is now listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention list. This building, completed in 1878 and operational as a Railways Headquarter and suburban+long distance train terminus since then, has atleast 10 thousand people in it at any given time in the day, and atleast 300 thousand commuters everyday.

Conservationists and architects are apalled by this human presence and use of this grand building, designed by British architect F.W. Stevens, in high Victorian Gothic style. CST is the "Most photographed edifice in India, after the TAJ MAHAL", but its popularity with Mumbai-ites and outsiders does not seen to be culminating in a concerted effort to preserve its beauty.

Many attempts, building-conservation project and continuing programme will be worked out soon. This is the shift in approach that the World Heritage List has brought about, but CST still needs your love, your respect... and sometimes, your sympathies.

India has 26 WHC listed sites, and CST is the most visited among them!

CST Pics by me, coming soon
Want to know more about CST and the "victorian gothic" style ? here is an article excerpted from the book, "Bombay Gothic" By Christopher W London. The Book is published by IBH, Mumbai. (phone : 91+22+24953827, info@ibhpublishing.com) and is available at book stores like the Strand Book Stall.