The iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) here is the most photographed building in the country after the Taj Mahal in Agra, said the Principal of a renowned architecture college in the metropolis.
Built in 1888, CST is not only a building but a true reflection of Mumbai's image. This is why the archaeologically important building was the most photographed structure in India after the Taj Mahal, said Rajiv Mishra, Principal of J J College of Architecture.
He was speaking at a function organised by the Central Railway (CR) at its headquarters.
In a bid to make people aware about the historical importance of CST (formerly Victoria Terminus), CR started a week-long celebration from July 2 over its World Heritage Site status.
During the event, people from all walks of life are visiting the premises and getting familiar about its architectural and historical importance.
In July 2004, the iconic railway station and HQ building of CR was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Therefore, to commemorate its 12th anniversary, CR, under its week-long celebration, is holding a host of activities, including a culture walk, quiz programmes, discussion on architecture and history of Mumbai in the HQ premises, said A K Srivastava, Additional General Manager, CR.
"On the first day itself, about 200 heritage enthusiasts participated in a Heritage Walk. The participants included young children. We got overwhelming response," said Srivastava.
Discussions on "Mumbai and Railways" and "Films and Railways" will be held in the last leg of the celebration, he said.
Addressing the participants at the Heritage Walk, Director of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India), Savyasachi Mukherjee said most of us were not aware of architectural structures of our megacity.
"If we remove a handful of iconic structures from South Mumbai, this city will be reduced to nothing archaeologically. Its high time we protect theses structures," he added.
