A historic marble plaque from Bellasis Road in Mumbai Central, dating back to the late 19th century, has been preserved after concerns that it could be lost during infrastructure redevelopment. The plaque is now set to be displayed at the Western Railway Heritage Gallery at Churchgate.
The plaque documents the story of people who migrated from Surat to Bombay during the 1793 famine and contributed to the construction of the road that eventually became Bellasis Road. More than two centuries later, the artefact was at risk of disappearing during redevelopment of the old Bellasis Road bridge.
Following reports highlighting the historical significance of the plaque, the heritage marker was carefully removed and secured for preservation.
“We have carefully removed the plaque, and it will be safely kept at the Western Railway Heritage Gallery at Churchgate for preservation. It is presently at the Deputy Chief Engineer’s office,” said a Western Railway official.
Plaque Records Forgotten Chapter of Mumbai’s History
The plaque had been installed on the earlier 131-year-old Bellasis Road bridge, which was demolished in June 2024 as part of a reconstruction project. It describes the approximately one-kilometre road named after British Major General John Bellasis and records its connection with migrants from Surat who arrived in Bombay in search of work.
Historian Deepak Rao welcomed the preservation of the artefact.
“The railways have a glorious history, and every piece of such relic that documents old Bombay has to be preserved carefully. It is a wonderful achievement for this iconic bridge. The bridge lies in the heart of the city and connects once glorious areas of Nagpada and Tardeo.”
City historian Ramachandra Venkatesh said the road played an important role in Mumbai’s early expansion.
“The Historic Bellasis Road has been a key contributor to Mumbai’s urban growth in its nascent years in the early 19th century, taking its name from Major General Bellasis, under whose orders the road was built by public subscription, and provided survival sustenance to a suffering group of people from Surat who had come to Mumbai in search of livelihood due to a bad famine in Surat. “The road connected parts of the city hitherto underdeveloped, creating a vast opportunity for expansion in its heyday as âurbs prima in Indis’.”
The original bridge was built in 1893, demolished in June 2024, and reconstruction began in October 2024. The new bridge opened to the public on February 26, 2026, after around 15 months of work.
Source: Mid-day
