Byculla Station Restored, Wins UNESCO Award
By A Draft Correspondent
The Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnav, lauds Ms Shaina NC, her team, and Central Railway for their commendable efforts in restoring Byculla station to its original architectural splendor, resulting in the prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit for Heritage Restoration & Conservation.
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| Byculla Railway Station has been rejuvenated to its heritage glory |
Byculla Railway station, a 169-year-old gem of Central Railway commissioned in 1853, has been rejuvenated to its heritage glory, garnering the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit for cultural heritage restoration and conservation.
In July 2019, a grand project commenced to revive the ancient heritage architecture of Byculla Railway station, India’s one of the oldest stations. Shaina NC, the trustee of I Love Mumbai, took the lead in coordinating with Railways for this initiative in loving memory of her father, the late Padmashree Nana Chudasama, former Sheriff of Mumbai, and Founder of I Love Mumbai and Giants International. Bajaj Trust Groups and Abha Narain Lambah Associates supported the project as their CSR initiative.
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| 'I Love Mumbai' trustee Ms Shaina NC coordinated with Railways for this initiative |
Mrs. Minal Bajaj and Mr. Niraj Bajaj of Bajaj Group, along with Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, generously funded this extensive restoration project amounting to over Rs. 4 crore. Notably, Heritage Conservation Architect Abha Narain Lambah offered her services pro-bono as part of their CSR commitment in honor of the city of Mumbai.
The comprehensive planning and execution culminated in the restoration of Byculla Railway Station to its original, age-old, heritage architecture on 29.4.2022. The momentous event was graced by Shri Raosaheb Dadarao Patil Danve, Hon’ble Minister of State for Railways, Government of India, along with Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, Trustee of I LOVE MUMBAI Ms Shaina NC and esteemed representatives from Bajaj Group and Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation. Heritage Conservation Architect Abha Narain Lambah, then General Manager Central Railway (now Chairman & CEO, Railway Board) Anil Kumar Lahoti, Principal Heads of Departments and other Senior Officers of Central Railway were also present to witness the transformation.
The restoration project encompassed various aspects:
- Beautification of platform number 1's main entry/façade, including restoration and improved lighting.
- Restoration of the exit passage at platform number 1 (Dadar end).
- Beautification and restoration of the garden area facing the façade.
- Renovation of toilets for general use and Divyangjan (differently-abled individuals).
- Upgradation and beautification of water huts, with two on each platform.
- Restoration and upgradation of benches.
- Installation of LED lighting at the station in a heritage scheme.
- Repainting and beautification of Foot Over Bridges (FOBs).
- Restoration of the Heritage wing roof.
- Provision of a separate ladies' toilet and regulation/restoration of façades of offices/stores along the concourse.
Today, Byculla station stands tall as a symbol of history and heritage, offering modern amenities alongside its cherished architectural charm. The restoration efforts, led by Shaina NC and Central Railway, have been recognised with the prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit, celebrating their commitment to preserving and conserving cultural heritage.
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