Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus better known as Victoria Terminus, or Bombay V.T. is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is an architectural marvel based on Victorian Gothic style designed by Frederick William Stevens, a British architect. Similar to London St. Pancras Station, the Bombay Victoria Terminus was set up to celebrate Victoria Jubilee Day in the year 1887, when the first locomotive set off for Thane 45 km away. The construction of this magnificent edifice began in 1878 and had taken almost 10 years for its completion.
The Victoria Terminus spread over 2.85 hectares is a grand fusion of Victorian, Gothic, and Indian traditional architectural patterns. The magnificent structure is characterized by pointed arches, imposing turrets, and
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an imposing stone dome adorned with the figure of 'Progress'. Stained glass panes, intricately carved friezes, and delicately designed buttresses add to the beauty of the building.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Station houses the Mumbai office of Central Railways. Long distance as well as local suburban trains originate from this Mumbai terminal station. The Chhatrapati Shivaji – Karjat, and Chhatrapati Shivaji – Mankhurd Harbour suburban local train services originate from here. Over 50 long distance trains to different Indian locations depart from and arrive at this station. More than 2.5 million passengers frequent the VT station regularly.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus was renamed thus in 1996, and declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2004.
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