Rlys sets ball rolling for conversion of Mumbai’s CST into museum
The Railway Board has set the ball rolling on its planned conversion of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CSMT) into a transport museum.
It is working on drafting a proposal for the project. The project will also include undertaking restoration of the UNESCO-declared heritage building.
While the work is likely to be carried out in stages, the exact date of the start has not yet been determined. According to officials, the board requires approval from the heritage committee before it can get started.
“The proposal will then be presented to me and further course of action will be initiated,” said Piyush Goyal, union Railway minister.
The conversion of the building, which serves as the headquarters of the central railways (CR), into a museum showcasing India’s railway history was reportedly Goyal’s idea.
Mumbai has a rich rail history, owing to the fact that Asia’s first railway ran between Mumbai and Thane.
Recently, DK Sharma, general manager of CR, wrote to Railway Board chairman Ashwini Lohani suggesting that the project be carried out through the Board’s executive director of heritage.
“The work (for the museum) is highly specialised in nature. The heritage directorate of the Railway Board may be asked to invite EOI (expressions of interest) and thereafter getting the work sanctioned and executed based upon the report of the eminent experts,” stated the letter.
The CR is also seeking to rent out office spaces for the duration of the project, as the building houses offices of senior CR officials.