Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus — CSMT, still “VT” to many — is the headquarters of the Central Railway and one of the busiest stations in India. The architect Frederick William Stevens began work in 1878; the building took around ten years and opened as Victoria Terminus, named for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 1887.
It is the high point of Bombay’s Victorian Gothic: an Italian Gothic plan covered in Indian detail, with peacocks, monkeys and lions carved by students of the nearby Sir J. J. School of Art, a central dome crowned by a statue of Progress, and stained glass and tiled floors inside. UNESCO listed it in 2004. It was renamed after the Maratha king Shivaji in 1996, with “Maharaj” added in 2017.
What to see and do: CSMT (Victoria Terminus)
Take in the facade
The best view is from the pavement and the viewing spot across the junction, in front of the equally ornate Municipal Corporation building. Look for the lion and tiger on the gateposts, representing Britain and India.
Step inside the booking hall
The suburban ticket hall — the “Star Chamber” — has a ribbed vault, carved stone and coloured marble. You are welcome to walk through; buy a platform ticket if you want to go on to the platforms.
Come back after dark
The building is floodlit at night, often in changing colours on festivals and national days. It is a staple of every Mumbai night tour.
Ask about the heritage tour
The railway has run a small heritage museum and guided tours of the building’s interior on weekday afternoons. Arrangements change, so enquire at the station.
How to get there
- By train: CSMT is the terminus of the Central and Harbour suburban lines. From the Western line, get off at Churchgate and take a taxi or walk about 20 minutes.
- By Metro: the underground Aqua Line (Line 3) has a CSMT station — check current operations.
- On foot: it is about ten minutes’ walk from Flora Fountain and fifteen from Crawford Market.
Insider tips
- Avoid 08:00–11:00 and 17:00–21:00 unless you want to see rush hour — the crowds are immense.
- Photography of the exterior is fine; inside the station, restrictions apply in places and tripods attract attention.
- Use the pedestrian subway to cross the junction.
- Combine it with the Victorian Gothic walk around the Oval Maidan.
Tours that include this stop
These guided experiences cover this place or combine easily with a visit:
Guided walking tour from US$12 Victorian Gothic Heritage Quarter and Art Deco Walking Tour
A guided walk through the UNESCO World Heritage ensemble that faces itself across the Oval Maidan: nineteenth-century Gothic on one side, 1930s Art Deco on the other. Excellent value, and the best way to make sense of the Fort district’s architecture.
- Mumbai’s UNESCO-listed Victorian Gothic buildings
- Art Deco apartment blocks and cinemas
- The stories behind the architecture
Private evening tour from US$15 Mumbai by Night: Private Iconic Sights Tour in Lights
Mumbai is cooler, calmer and arguably better looking after dark. This private tour with an English-speaking local guide takes in the floodlit Taj Mahal Palace, Flora Fountain, the city’s own “Big Ben” — the Rajabai Clock Tower — and a viewpoint over the lights of the bay.
- The Taj Mahal Palace and Gateway of India lit up
- Flora Fountain and the floodlit Gothic buildings
- Marine Drive — the “Queen’s Necklace” — after dark
