Mumbai’s Byculla railway station, one of the oldest stations in India, has recently been honored with the prestigious UNESCO Asia Pacific Cultural Heritage Award of merit for its successful restoration. BJP Member of Parliament Shaina NC met with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav to express her pride in this achievement. The restoration project, carried out over a period of three years by the NGO I Love Mumbai led by Shaina NC, aimed to preserve the city’s cultural heritage.
Taking to Twitter, Shaina NC shared her meeting with the Union Minister and highlighted that the project was executed free of charge by their NGO as a tribute to Mumbai. The restoration was made possible through a partnership with the Bajaj Foundation, known for their philanthropic endeavors. Together, they revitalized the iconic Byculla railway station on the Central line, ensuring its historical significance remained intact while incorporating modern amenities.
The project garnered recognition from UNESCO for its efforts to save and restore India’s first railway station, which holds great significance in Mumbai’s history and culture. By removing inappropriate additions and restoring original architectural details, the station regained its charm. The renovated Byculla railway station now serves both its function as a railway station and the thousands of commuters who rely on it daily.
The commendable collaboration between the project team and the community showcases a successful public-private partnership for preserving Mumbai’s recent history. UNESCO praised the Byculla railway station’s restoration as a prototype for revitalizing and utilizing historic railway heritage throughout the region.
Meeting with the Union Minister, Shaina NC expressed her belief that the restoration model employed for Byculla station could be implemented across the country. The efforts put into preserving this iconic station serve as an inspiration to conserve and revive other historical railway properties across Asia.
The restoration project’s success can be attributed to the dedication of heritage conservation architect Abha Lambha and the support of Minal Bajaj of Bajaj Trust. Their combined expertise and passion ensured the project’s seamless integration of modern necessities while preserving its rich history.
Byculla railway station’s recognition by UNESCO underscores the significance of preserving cultural heritage and encourages similar initiatives elsewhere. The restoration serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing historical landmarks and promoting a sense of pride in one’s cultural identity.
Overall, the restoration of Byculla railway station stands as a shining example of successful collaboration between the government, NGOs, architects, and the community in preserving and celebrating Mumbai’s vibrant history and cultural heritage. It is a testament to the enduring beauty and relevance of historical sites that continue to serve the needs of modern society.
