Tucked away in the quiet, orderly lanes of Ballard Estate in South Mumbai stands Karfule, an 87-year-old petrol pump that doubles as a rare surviving example of the city’s Art Deco legacy. Established in 1938, it is widely regarded as Mumbai’s last functioning Art Deco fuel station, blending everyday utility with architectural history at a time when the style itself marks its centenary celebrations across the city.
Walking through Ballard Estate feels like stepping into a preserved colonial-era postcard, with grand stone buildings and wide, still streets. Amid this setting, Karfule quietly continues its operations while also serving as a living museum of Mumbai’s design evolution.
The station was founded by Gabriel Sequeira, a Goan migrant who began his journey in the 1920s with a simple roadside petrol kiosk. By 1932, he had partnered with Burmah Shell, later collaborating with Caltex to establish Karfule on October 3, 1938, at 3 Sprott Road. Due to business constraints, he exited his earlier venture to focus on this new establishment.
Designed by architect G.B. Mhatre, known for several landmark Art Deco buildings in Mumbai, Karfule stands out for its distinctive canopy, streamlined forms, and geometric detailing. The octagonal kiosk, supported by reinforced concrete beams, features a tower with a circular disc that once functioned as a clock, reinforcing its Deco identity.
“The building had always been there, but we didn’t know about its architectural significance until 2015,” said Daniel Sequeira, Gabriel’s grandson. His research later revealed the structure’s historical importance, leading to a deeper effort to preserve it.
Inside, original features remain intact, including terrazzo flooring, marble cladding, and vintage service equipment such as hydraulic lifts and compressors from the 1930s. These elements continue to function, maintained by the Sequeira family across generations.
Over the years, Karfule has evolved into more than a petrol station. It now hosts exhibitions, heritage walks, and archival displays documenting its history, including old invoices, photographs, and construction records. Daniel also leads guided walks through Ballard Estate, narrating the story of Mumbai’s Art Deco movement.
Despite branding changes and external pressures, the family has fought to retain its original character. While some design elements were altered over time, much of its architectural essence remains preserved, making Karfule not just a working petrol pump, but a rare, living piece of Mumbai’s heritage landscape.\
Source: The Indian Express
