MUMBAI: Both Central and Western Railway recently celebrated World Heritage Day 2025 with great enthusiasm and pride, coinciding with its 172 years of distinguished service to the nation.
Observed annually on April 18, World Heritage Day was instituted by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and the need for its preservation.
The theme for 2025, as proposed by ICOMOS, is “Disaster and Conflict Resilient Heritage Actions in Relation to Safeguarding Heritage.” To mark the occasion, a special Heritage Exhibition was organised at the Heritage Alley, located between Platforms 14 and 15 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai, said CR Chief Spokesperson Swapnil Nila.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus was beautifully illuminated with multicolour lights. The 138-year-old architectural marvel, designed by British engineer Frederic William Stevens, is a stunning example of Indo-Gothic architecture. A ‘Heritage Walk’ was conducted as part of the celebrations, Nila said.
In addition, a Fire Brigade Exhibition was held at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus by the Mumbai Fire Department, aimed at creating awareness about fire safety, especially concerning the protection of heritage structures and artefacts.
A heritage walk was organised at the Churchgate Headquarters for female staff members. The group was guided through the rich legacy of Western Railway and its over a century-old headquarters building.
“The iconic Western Railway HQ is a piece of living history. Its construction started way back in 1894 and finished in 1899. The building was designed by Frederick William Stevens,” said WR Chief Spokesperson Vineet Abhishek.
“Bandra Station is a Grade I Heritage Structure, as designated by the state govt and one of the few suburban stations in the country with that honour. The station’s design is both beautiful and clever — honeycomb basalt masonry, teakwood eaves, and a façade that’s perfectly symmetrical,” he said, adding that WR headquarters and Bandra stations aren’t just buildings, but “stories in stone.”