Peek Into History Of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of the most oldest and busiest railway terminus in India, which is situated at D. N. Road Mumbai. It is one of the historic structures, which forms the importane part of Mumbai Suburban Railway. It is also a main headquarter of Central Railway, which serves local trains as well as number of long distance trains. 

This beautiful monument is designed by Fredrick William Stevens, with a Victorian Italianate Gothnic Architecture and Indian Traditional Buildings. It was constructed in 1887, at Bori Bunder to admire the Golden Jubilee Of Queen Victoria. That's why CSTM was previously known as Victoria Terminus, then it's name was changed to present one in March 1996.

History:

Initially Bori Bunder was just a small area on the eastern line of Mumbai, which is used as a warehouse for goods transported (import + export) to and from Mumbai. The name itself says 'Bori' means Sack and 'Bunder means 'Port', i.e a place where sacks are stored. In 1850, The Great Indian Peninsular, built a railway station, named as Bori Bunder. Then in 1853 this terminus operates first passenger train in India from Bori Bunder to Thane, which helds the birth of Indian Railways. Same station was then rebuilt as Victoria Terminus, and then subsequently be renamed as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai.

Structure:

CST building invokes the fusion of Italian and traditional Indian architecture. It has minarets, pointed arches, skyline, brass railings, wood acrving, tiles and outlandish ground plan. Due to its advanced structural and technical features it sets an example of 19th century railway architectural wonders. The construction of this terminus requires a high level of engineering both in terms of railway and civil engineering. It has a central dome shaped office, with 330 feet long platform and 1200 feet long train shed. It serves total 18 platforms, among which 7 are for local trains whereas remaining 11 are for long distance trains.

Hotels:

If you are planning to visit Mumbai, then Hotels Near CST are most recommended options for comfortable staying. If you stayed in these hotels then you can easily catch your trains at any time, and many of the tourist attractions are also close to this station. It is a best area for publis drive, and shopping too. Some of CSTM Hotels are:

• Hotel Sea Lord 
• Hotel Supreme 
• Hotel New Bengal 
• Hotel Avon Ruby 
• Hotel Bandra Regency