Train stations are often places of great elegance where classic architecture blends with modernity. In our own country, we have the Atocha station in Madrid, specifically the old station from 1892, an example of ‘iron architecture’ with a large iron and glass roof.
However, there is one country that stands out even more for its history linked to trains: India.
1. Trains in India
Its railway network is one of the largest in the world and was built during the British colonial period. In fact, in 1873, construction began on one of the most impressive stations in existence today.
Victoria Terminus Station is enormous and looks like an emperor’s palace, so it could not be left off the UNESCO World Heritage List.
2. Its history as a colony
As we all know, India was a British colony for many years, so it is not surprising that traditions and culture mixed, changing the landscape of this Asian country.
The influence on architecture was evident in the 1870s, and Victorian Gothic continued to predominate for much longer.
3. A tribute
In fact, it was in honour of Queen Victoria that a railway station began to be built in Mumbai (Bombay), very close to the old Bori Bunder, although it was planned to be much larger and more extravagant than its predecessor.
The aim was to coincide its opening with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, and thanks to engineers such as Frederick William Stevens, it was inaugurated in 1887.
4. The architecture: a perfect blend
This station showcases the perfect blend of East and West. Although clearly influenced by British style, it also reveals traces of Indian architecture.
It has rightly been listed as one of the architectural wonders of the 19th-century railway world.
The comparison with a palace for an emperor is not limited to the pomp of the façade, but the interior seems to have been designed more for this purpose than to be used as a train station concourse: the ceilings are high and the decoration with friezes and reliefs is countless. And, as the jewel in the crown, there is a large dome in the centre.
5. A station marked by history
The independence of India in 1947 was a milestone that marked the end of British imperialism, and this meant burying names from the past. Thus, Victoria Terminus became known in 1996 as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, in honour of a 17th-century Indian king who was considered a national hero.
Its history of evolution, change and history did not go unnoticed and in 2004 it was declared a World Heritage Site for its architectural importance.
This is the most important station in India and, although it is not located in the country’s capital, it can be reached from all other stations in the country.
