10 July,2026 07:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Parts of the exterior of CSMT have been covered with protective sheeting as conservation work continues on the UNESCO World Heritage building
The four days of incessant rainfall seems to have done some key damage to the Mumbai's most iconic structure and World Heritage Site of Mumbai CSMT building with its dome developing major leaks so much so that the portion under the foyer under the dome has been barricaded and covered with rags and floor cloths.
The iconic central dome of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, where restoration work is underway following leaks during heavy monsoon rain. Pics/Rajendra B Aklekar
When mid-day visited the site, it found the area beneath the soaring central dome - the architectural centrepiece and crowning glory of the former Victoria Terminus - has been cordoned off, while rags and absorbent floor cloths have been spread across the floor to contain water dripping from above.
A section beneath CSMT's central dome has been cordoned off as rainwater leaking from above is collected using floor cloths. Pics/Rajendra B Aklekar
The leakage was significant enough for access beneath the dome to be restricted, raising questions about the condition of the UNESCO World Heritage Site during one of the heaviest spells of rain this monsoon. Railway officials, however, said there was no cause for concern as the dome is already undergoing a comprehensive conservation programme.
Rags placed along a staircase inside CSMT collect rainwater
"The dome is under restoration, and the problem will be solved very soon. A few years ago, radar scans and drone surveys revealed defects inside the Victorian dome that were not visible to the naked eye. Those have now been identified and are being repaired," a senior railway official said. He added that the ongoing work is intended not only to plug the leaks but to restore the structure to its original glory.
A section beneath CSMT's central dome has been cordoned off as rainwater leaking from above is collected using pieces of cloth
According to Central Railway, conservation work is being carried out in consultation with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage and the Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee, which assessed the stability of the heritage structure.
The restoration includes:
£Cleaning algae using high-pressure water jets
£Repairing cracks in stone
£Removing vegetation
£Protecting stained-glass windows
The Statue of Progress, the five-tonne stone sculpture atop CSMT's dome, is also undergoing restoration. Officials said the statue has been wrapped in waterproof material while restoration continues. Papier-mache is being used to recreate intricate architectural details without damaging the original stonework.
Construction began: 1878
Time taken to build: 10 years
Heritage status: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Grade: Grade I heritage structure
Weight of Statue of Progress: About 5 tonnes
R. Venkatesh, city historian
âThe massive Gothic dome, raised internally on architectural squinches, with its exquisite stained glass, GIPR crest and the Statue of Progress atop it, has been the city's pride and a monumental attraction since 1888. It is globally recognised as one of the most architecturally beautiful railway buildings and continues to function as a living heritage site. I hope the Railways engage the best heritage conservation experts to repair and restore it at the earliest'
Deepak Rao, city historian
âCSMT, formerly Victoria Terminus, is the jewel in Mumbai's crown and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Railways must be responsible enough to maintain it to the highest conservation standards'
Dr Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer, Central Railway
âLeakages are being fixed during the restoration work. Central Railway is doing the work with the guidance and help of subject experts to restore each and every minute detail of the heritage building'
