Days of relentless monsoon rain have led to water seepage inside the iconic dome of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), prompting authorities to barricade the foyer beneath the structure as restoration work continues at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors to the station found the area directly below the historic central dome cordoned off, with rags and absorbent floor cloths placed on the floor to collect water dripping from the ceiling. The leakage has restricted access to the section beneath the dome, raising concerns over the condition of one of Mumbai’s most recognised heritage landmarks during this season’s heavy rainfall.
Railway officials, however, said there is no immediate cause for alarm, as the dome is already undergoing a comprehensive conservation project.
“The dome is under restoration, and the problem will be solved very soon. A few years ago, radar scans and drone surveys revealed defects inside the Victorian dome that were not visible to the naked eye. Those have now been identified and are being repaired,” a senior railway official said.
He added that the ongoing work is aimed not only at stopping the leaks but also at restoring the heritage structure to its original architectural grandeur.
According to Central Railway, the conservation work is being carried out in consultation with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, which has assessed the structural stability of the building.
The restoration includes cleaning algae using high-pressure water jets, repairing cracks in the stonework, removing vegetation and protecting the stained-glass windows.
The five-tonne Statue of Progress, which crowns the dome, is also being restored. Officials said the sculpture has been covered with waterproof material during the work, while papier-mâché is being used to recreate intricate architectural details without damaging the original stone.
Construction of the landmark building began in 1878 and took a decade to complete. Today, it is recognised as a Grade I heritage structure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
City historian R. Venkatesh said, “The massive Gothic dome, raised internally on architectural squinches, with its exquisite stained glass, GIPR crest and the Statue of Progress atop it, has been the city’s pride and a monumental attraction since 1888. It is globally recognised as one of the most architecturally beautiful railway buildings and continues to function as a living heritage site. I hope the Railways engage the best heritage conservation experts to repair and restore it at the earliest.”
City historian Deepak Rao added, “CSMT, formerly Victoria Terminus, is the jewel in Mumbai’s crown and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Railways must be responsible enough to maintain it to the highest conservation standards.”
Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, Dr. Swapnil Nila, said, “Leakages are being fixed during the restoration work. Central Railway is doing the work with the guidance and help of subject experts to restore every minute detail of the heritage building.”
Source: Mid-day
