Western Railway Building, Churchgate, Mumbai
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | February 6, 2001 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 15 |
| Quantity | 700,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Eagle Press Ltd. |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1820 Stamp Number IN 1880 Yvert et Tellier IN 1586 Stanley Gibbons IN 1987 |
Table of Contents
Churchgate Building: A Historical Overview
The Churchgate building in Mumbai is a notable landmark in the history of Indian Railways and a testament to colonial-era architecture in India. Here’s a concise overview of its historical and architectural significance:
Inception and Construction:
- Beginnings: Indian Railways began its journey in 1853 with the first train running from Bombay (Mumbai) to Thane. The Churchgate building’s history is tied to the development of Indian Railways as it celebrates the centenary of its construction.
- Initial Purpose: The building was originally the headquarters of the Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railways (BB&CI), which was established in 1855 to facilitate a railway route from Surat to Bombay for cotton supply from Gujarat.
- Construction: The construction of the Churchgate headquarters began in 1894 and was completed in 1899. It was designed by the renowned Victorian architect, Frederick William Stevens, who was also responsible for the Victoria Terminus (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) and the Corporation Building in Bombay.
Architectural Features:
- Design: The Churchgate building showcases a blend of architectural styles. While it appears Gothic Revival at first glance, Stevens’ design incorporates elements that give it an Indo-Saracenic appearance.
- Structure: The building features a square tower up to 100 feet, which then transitions into an octagonal shape topped with a circular dome. The façade is characterized by rough-hewn basalt with bands of red Bassein sandstone and white stone dressings.
- Interior: The main entrance hall, facing Churchgate Station, has a 25-foot square floor with colored marble. The building includes three floors for offices and an additional floor below the dome for record storage.
Historical Significance:
- Context: When initially constructed, the Churchgate building was located close to the sea. Over time, the surrounding area has been developed with multi-storeyed structures.
- Merger and Current Use: In 1951, the Western Railway was formed by merging BB&CI and other state railways. The Churchgate building now serves as the headquarters of the Western Railway.
Commemoration:
- Stamp Issuance: To celebrate the centenary of the Churchgate building, the Department of Posts has issued a commemorative stamp, highlighting the significance of this architectural and historical landmark in the context of Indian Railways’ rich heritage.
The Churchgate building stands as a remarkable example of colonial architecture and reflects the evolution of Indian Railways from its early days to its modern role in India’s transportation network.