Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is perhaps India’s most iconic colonial railway building. Built between 1878 and 1888 as Victoria Terminus, it was designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens as the headquarters of the Great Indian Peninsular Railway.
At the height of colonial Bombay’s rise as a trading powerhouse, the British used the station to showcase industrial wealth and engineering might. Architecturally, the station is stunning, Gothic arches, stained-glass windows, and gargoyles blended with Mughal-inspired domes and Indian carvings. UNESCO later recognised it as one of the greatest examples of “Gothic Bombay”.
Today, CSMT remains the heart of Mumbai’s suburban railway system while also serving famous long-distance routes like the Mumbai-Goa Konkan journey and trains towards central and eastern India. Sunset is the best time to see the illuminated facade, especially if paired with a heritage walk through Fort, Flora Fountain and the Gateway of India area.
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