London’s home to some pretty iconic railway stations; so much so that they’ve historically been key references for architecture and design across the globe. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is Mumbai’s most beautiful railway stationsolidified by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its design, by British architect F.W. Stevents, was heavily influenced by St Pancras stationevident in the exuberant details such as the domes, pointed arches, turrets, and elaborate stone work.
The similarities between the two stations are more than coincidental–as both stations were conceived in the late 19th century as monumental gateways to their respective cities.
Serving as symbols of progress, commerce, and imperial power, both honoured the Gothic trends at the time, while Chhatrapati blended Indian motifs to compliment its Victorian granduer.
In fact, the station is a symbol of the country’s colonial connection to Britain, originally named Victoria Terminus after Queen Victoria for her golden jubileeopening the year of in 1887.
This cultural synthesis had British engineers collaborate with Indian craftsmen, resulting in a palace-like structure that murges the style of Victorian England with local traditions, symbols, and beyond.
The station was renamed in the 90s to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, in honour of the 17th-century Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji, as well as Indian independence.
Nowadays, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus remains a bustling transport hub in the heart of Mumbai, and is testament to the architectural exchanges of the colonial era–a true palace for the people that continues to impress and inspire, much like the train stations here in London.
St Pancras, meanwhile, was the Midland Railway’s gateway to London, and later to Europe. The station was built two decades prior to Chhatrapati in 1868.
Its design and engineering innovations echoed across the British Empire. While it may not have the UNESCO recognition like Chhatrapati, it is a Grade I listed building–making it a beloved favourite for locals and tourists alike.
