Mumbai: One of the oldest and busiest Byculla station of central line is all set get its new face.
An official of the Railway said that an NGO has obtained permission to conduct the renovation work of the 166 year old station of Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) and railway officials.
“Recently, ‘I Love Mumbai’, an NGO signed an MOU with the Mumbai division of the Central Railway for the heritage restoration and beautification work of Byculla station,” PTI quoted CR spokeperson Sunil Udasi, saying.
The work will be carried out in consultation with renowned heritage conservationists. It will commence shortly and Mumbaikars will soon be able to see the crowning glory of Byculla afresh,” he added.
Byculla was one of the original stations when the Bombay-Thane railway was inaugurated in April 1853. It had been built as a wooden structure the year before, but took on its current form in 1857. This makes the current building the oldest station in India.
BJP leader Shaina NC-led NGO, along with architect Aba Lamba, will start the work of restoration. Under this step, the dumping yard will be converted into orchards near the Byculla station.
“This historic railway station is in a dire need of restoration in a holistic manner. It has one of the most imposing facades in south Mumbai and is among the landmark stations in the area. Restoration work is needed for the main building and the front facade,” Shaina NC said to PTI.
“Different work, such as removal of insensitive ad-hoc joint on the mask, its makeover, removal of paint from the stone mask, cleaning of stained masonry, restoration of damaged doors and windows, hazard-cross-crossing telephone and electricity upgrading wiring scheme Is being created, she added.
(With PTI Inputs)
