171 Years And Still Running Strong! Know All About India’s Oldest Railway Station
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) is India’s oldest railway station, celebrating 171 years of history. Built for ₹6 lakh, it has evolved from steam engines to high-speed Vande Bharat trains.
India’s Oldest Railway Station
![India’s Oldest Railway Station](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/16/1474934-train1final.jpg?im=Resize=(400))
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CSMT) is not only the oldest railway station in India but also a testament to the country's rich railway heritage. Constructed at a cost of ₹6 lakh, this iconic station has been serving the nation for 171 years.
Witness to Railway Evolution
![Witness to Railway Evolution](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/16/1474933-train2final.jpg)
CSMT has seen it all—from the era of steam engines to today’s high-speed Vande Bharat trains. Despite its age, the station continues to function efficiently, connecting various destinations across the country.
The Inaugural Train Journey
![The Inaugural Train Journey](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/16/1474931-train3final.jpg)
India's first train service began on April 16, 1853, running between Mumbai's Bori Bunder and Thane. This historic 34-kilometer journey carried 400 passengers and marked the beginning of India's vast railway network.
From Bori Bunder to Victoria Terminus
![From Bori Bunder to Victoria Terminus](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/16/1474930-train4final.jpg)
The first railway station, Bori Bunder, was named after a locality in Mumbai. In 1878, it was rebuilt and renamed Victoria Terminus to honor Queen Victoria of Britain.
Post-Independence Name Changes
![Post-Independence Name Changes](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/16/1474929-train5final.jpg)
After India gained independence, the station was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in 1996. Later, in 2017, the name was updated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, reflecting India's cultural heritage.
A Photogenic Icon
![A Photogenic Icon](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/16/1474924-train6final.jpg)
CSMT holds a unique record: it is the second most photographed building in India, after the Taj Mahal. Designed by architect Frederick Stevens, the station's stunning architecture continues to captivate visitors.
Bustling Hub of Activity
![Bustling Hub of Activity](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2024/08/16/1474923-train7final.jpg)
Despite being 171 years old, CSMT remains a bustling hub with trains arriving and departing for numerous cities across India. Millions of passengers pass through this station every day, making it one of the busiest in the country.
Trending Photos
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