There are also stone plaques on the bridge and metal plates on the pillars and girders, dating back a century, which trace their manufacturing to the United Kingdom
The bell is placed between platforms 1 and 2, under the bridge, at Elphinstone. PIC/RAJENDRA B AKLEKAR
With Elphinstone bridge closed off, the hammer will fall on the Elphinstone Road station too. A rare iron bell from the steam engine era fixed under the bridge will be saved by the Western Railway (WR) team. There are also stone plaques on the bridge and metal plates on the pillars and girders, dating back a century, which trace their manufacturing to the United Kingdom. As highlighted by mid-day earlier, these plaques will also be saved.
The bell, which is located between platforms 1 and 2, is a popular selfie point. A WR spokesperson said the authorities would save the bell and are looking at relocating and restoring it. There is an extensive heritage gallery at Churchgate, and the artefact may be placed there.
What is heartening is that the bell, which has been saved once, will be saved again. So also the heritage plaques. This shows that there is a real respect for history and heritage and a recognition of its value. We salute the Railways for this gesture.
In the frenzy of redevelopment and infra upgradation, we see that such relics may disappear altogether, break and perish as the crane and hammer come down on existing infrastructure. Sometimes, they may be filched by criminals who would want to sell them. It is vital to identify and preserve them, as they are important markers of our city’s history.
They also teach us lessons from the past and have huge value. If we demonstrate that we consider these worthy and safeguard them, then we pass on this vibe and thinking to the next generation.
A bell or a plaque is more than a bell or a plaque. They are milestone markers of the growth and transformation of Mumbai. The acknowledgement of this and efforts to keep our past alive are both creditable and necessary.
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