Counter for sale of ‘railway artefacts’, adding passenger amenities are part of the plan.
Bandra station epitomises heritage and has been recognised as ‘Grade-I’ with a blend of ‘Victorian Gothic’ and ‘Vernacular’ styled architecture.
Mumbai : The city’s century-old railway station of Bandra is all set for a makeover. There will be a counter for sale of railway artefacts.Passenger amenities at the station will also be added. This station is home to some of the oldest religious shrines, Portuguese Fort, Bollywood, East Indian Christian gaothans, Anglo-Indian bakeries and art galleries.
It also epitomises the heritage and has been recognised as a “Grade-I” heritage property with a blend of “Victorian Gothic” and the “Vernacular” styled architecture.
As a part of conserving the heritage structure at Bandra station, the railways have envisaged a unique plan which includes a counter for sale of “railway artefacts.”
“It is our first-ever experiment to promote railways’ history and artefacts,” said RavinderBhaker, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway.
The artefacts would include miniatures of age-old locomotives and steam engines from all parts of the country. It will also include relics and historic collections which will be brought from the National Rail Museum in New Delhi.
Western Railway has proposed to revamp the station with a view to transform it into an efficient transportation hub and a heritage landmark.
“We have collaborated with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Under an agreement between western railways and UNESCO, a comprehensive management plan is being prepared for Bandra Station,” said Bhaker.
The railways have also put in place a detailed plan for a total makeover of Bandra railway station to be completed within three months. The station will be turned into a Gothic-styled structure resembling the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) station building.
Its building will soon face a lush green lawn to add to the beauty of the existing heritage structure.
The premises will be fenced from all the sides with an old styled railing along with colourful illumination system. This will help the century-old building look more elegant.
Several passenger amenities have also been planned by Western Railway.
“We will also construct new toilet blocks by adding the heritage style at the station. The building will also house a baby nursing facility,” added Bhaker.
The heritage building will also get an upgrade in the form of heritage sensitive roofs to protect it from the sunlight and rain. Under corporate social responsibility scheme, Union Bank has funded Rs 1 crore to the railways for the conservation plan. The remaining funds will be provided by the Western Railway.
Officials revealed that they had already utilised at least Rs 60 lakh towards restoration and upgradation of heritage structure.
UNESCO has also submitted their first report to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu for focusing on design and improving the circulating area of the station.
As per the report, priority will be given to pedestrians and access by creating a comfortable environment. The main features of UNESCO’s recommendations include realigning approaches and relieving congestion. The movement at entry and exit of station will also be improved for easy access and transfer of commuters.
