Attraction
Gateway of India
The 1924 basalt arch on the Apollo Bunder waterfront, built to mark a royal visit and now the departure point for Elephanta ferries.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
The Victorian Gothic railway terminus formerly known as Victoria Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and still Central Railway's busy headquarters.
At a glance
- Type
- UNESCO-listed railway station
- Area
- Fort, Mumbai, India
Good to know
- Working railway station
- Evening facade lighting
- Suburban and long-distance trains
Why we recommend it
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, still widely called VT or CST, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Designed by Frederick William Stevens, it was begun in 1878 and completed about a decade later as Victoria Terminus. It was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in 1996 and took its current name in 2017. It is not a museum piece: it is the headquarters of Central Railway and a working station used by long-distance and suburban passengers every day.
The architecture mixes Victorian Gothic Revival with Indian traditions, and the detail rewards a slow look. The central block is crowned by an octagonal ribbed dome topped by a statue of a woman representing Progress, holding a torch in one hand and a spoked wheel in the other; she is often mistaken for Queen Victoria. Inside the North Wing, the ground-floor hall known as the Star Chamber is decorated with Italian marble and tiles from the English firm Maw and Co.
The station has 18 platforms. Seven handle the suburban trains that carry commuters across the city, and the rest serve long-distance routes. Watching the flow of passengers through the concourse is as much a part of the experience as the architecture. Since 2022 the facade has been lit with LEDs in the evenings, often with colour themes for national holidays such as Republic Day and Independence Day.
The best views of the full facade are from the pavements across the road, so give yourself time to cross carefully and step back for photographs. Allow 30 minutes to an hour to look at the exterior and the concourse. Inside, remember that this is a working station: keep bags close, avoid blocking platforms and be prepared for security checks. Early morning on a weekend is the quietest time; the evening lighting makes a second, short visit worthwhile.
The terminus is in the Fort district and connects to Mumbai Metro Line 3 as well as the Central and Harbour suburban lines, so it is easy to reach from most parts of the city. From here you can walk south through the Fort's Victorian streets towards the Kala Ghoda galleries. Many visitors pair it with the Gateway of India and the CSMVS museum for a full day in South Mumbai.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus FAQs
Is it free to look around?
Yes. You can view the exterior and walk through the public concourse without a ticket, although platforms are for travellers.
What was it called before?
It opened as Victoria Terminus, was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in 1996 and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in 2017.
When did it become a World Heritage Site?
UNESCO inscribed it on the World Heritage List in 2004.
Who designed it?
The architect Frederick William Stevens, with construction starting in 1878.
Is the building lit up at night?
Yes. The facade has been lit with LEDs in the evenings since 2022, with themed colours on national holidays.
Is it still a working station?
Yes. It is the headquarters of Central Railway and serves suburban and long-distance trains from 18 platforms.
Where is the best place to photograph it?
From the pavements across the road, which give a view of the full facade and the central dome.
How do you get there?
It is served by the suburban network and Mumbai Metro Line 3, and taxis can drop you on the road outside.