The Central Railway observed an unannounced ‘Station Mahotsav’ at six stations on Wednesday, seemingly just to comply with Railway Board directives, without addressing the reality on the ground
The historic basalt stone staircase leading up to the heritage building was only partially painted. PICS/RAJENDRA B AKLEKAR
The long-abandoned, heritage-listed Reay Road station building was ironically celebrated for its historic significance on Wednesday. In reality, the station has remained shut since February 2022, when construction began on a new bridge. However, due to poor planning by Maharail — which built the bridge without aligning proper entry and exit routes — the century-old structure was left unusable. Adding to the irony, the barricades blocking access to the building were painted with noticeable enthusiasm.
The Central Railway observed an unannounced ‘Station Mahotsav’ at six stations on Wednesday, seemingly just to comply with Railway Board directives, without addressing the reality on the ground. Hastily erected pandals and low-key events were conducted without prior intimation to commuters or the public, turning the occasion into a mere social media exercise for compliance, failing to achieve its stated aim of public engagement and education.
Pouring paint at Reay Road
On Wednesday, Reay Road station was given a fresh coat of paint with surprising enthusiasm. Even the steel dustbins were painted. Ironically, the historic basalt stone staircase was only partially painted, and the barricades sealing off the heritage building were also given a fresh coat. Other additions included a heritage information board, a few balloons, and a selfie point which was missing by evening.
The heritage Reay Road station building appears old and neglected. PICS/ATUL KAMBLE
What is Station Mahotsav?
The Railway Board had earlier issued a nationwide directive to celebrate the centenary of heritage railway stations across India, marking their date of inception. In total, 143 stations were identified for the observance of Station Mahotsavs across various railway zones and states. The events were meant to involve community participation and highlight historical milestones such as station inaugurations or the introduction of new railway lines.
Station Mahotsav celebrations at the station
However, in Mumbai, officials merely staged superficial events to satisfy the directive, uploading photos with station staff to social media and killing the spirit of the initiative. According to sources, the programme’s momentum slowed down after a state minister intervened last month, seeking a broader participation strategy.
A heritage missed
mid-day had earlier reported how the newly built ‘iconic’ cable-stayed bridge by BMC and Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC or Maharail) failed to connect with the century-old Reay Road station’s main entrance. The bridge now hovers just a few feet above the heritage structure, with no plan to integrate or preserve it.
Why a heritage site?
Reay Road served as the original terminus of the Harbour Line when it officially began operations on December 12, 1910. The station was named after Donald Mackay, the 11th Lord Reay of Reay Country (now part of Strathnaver in Scotland), who was the Governor of Bombay from 1885 to 1890. The station building, featuring stone ramps and basalt walls, is heritage-listed. It is among the few heritage railway stations in Mumbai, along with Bandra, Mumbai CSMT, Byculla, and Churchgate.
What’s heritage at Reay Rd
The elevated stone structure has the engraving ‘Reay Road G.I.P.R’ (Great Indian Peninsula Railway) etched on both side walls above three arched windows. Among the eight arched windows that face the tracks, one once held a vintage wall clock, now removed, leaving a hollow space behind.
Falling into neglect
This heritage building, including the ticket window and surrounding access areas, has been completely shut down and barricaded after the construction of the new bridge caused misalignment. The removal of the iconic wall clock has left a noticeable and symbolic emptiness.
Official response
“Central Railway organised centenary celebrations of six heritage stations on Mumbai Division as part of Station Mahotsav, as advised by the Railway Board,” said a spokesperson. “Activities like shramdaan (voluntary service) and tree plantation drives were carried out. Selfie points were also set up for visitors to take pictures as souvenirs of the occasion,” he added.
What was done?
A heritage exhibition at CSMT showcased artefacts from the GIPR era, including steam locomotive models, vintage furniture, tools, and clocks. Modern displays featured Vande Bharat and Bullet Train models. A 360-degree virtual CSMT tour using VR glasses was offered. Charts and photos traced railway history, while memorabilia like mugs and T-shirts were on sale. A rangoli themed on heritage adorned the suburban concourse. Highlights also included miniature CSMT replicas with lighting and historical railway equipment.
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