Restoration polish for Byculla station in 1 year

MUMBAI: The 166-year-old Byculla station, which is listed as a Grade I heritage structure, will be restored to its original glory in a year. Railway minister Piyush Goyal launched the restoration work on Saturday.

The restoration, like at Bandra station, is helmed by an NGO that has tied up with eminent conservation architect Abha Lambah to undertake the work, which will be funded through CSR.
The work includes beautification and restoration of the main entry (façade) of platform number 1, all walls, grilles and foot-over bridges at the station. “The roof and façade will get special attention,” said Lambah. The budget is Rs 3 crore and The Bajaj Group Charitable Trust will pick up the tabs.
Cast-iron ticket window screens to be back at 166-yr-old Byculla station
The heritage restoration of Byculla station, which was launched on Saturday, will bring back monogrammed cast-iron ticket window screens.
“Many changes have occurred since the station was inaugurated. For example, at present, there is a red roof and white hall. We will peel off the plaster and restore original walls,” said Lambah. “The panel of the roof has been changed; it will be restored to the original which had gable ends with wooden louvres. Garish colours will be removed from walls and pillars,” conservation architect Abha Lambah said.
CR’s chief public relations officer Sunil Udasi said that the work is being undertaken in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Maharashtra Heritage Conservation Committee and restrictions prescribed under the Heritage Conservation Act.
“What started as a mere beautification and painting plan for Byculla railway station today goes forward as renovation and restoration project in all architectural aspects,” said Shaina NC of NGO I Love Mumbai.
Also on the list of works is cleaning of the stained masonry and poultice, and repairs to deteriorated or missing portions of the structure. Wires strewn across the station will be sorted and correct signages as well as street furniture will be installed.
At present, the station has several add-ons like offices in the building which have impacted the heritage character of the structure. “Damaged or missing elements will be restored, removed or relocated,” added Lambah.
“Right now, the station has ceramic tiles on the floor whereas the original flooring was of stone. Also, the stations masters’ office has a false ceiling, which does not go with the heritage character of the building,” she said.
The garden area facing the façade too will be restored while parking space will be developed on both sides of the station if the railways gives an approval. Other facilities on the cards are renovation of toilets for general and disabled, upgradation of water huts, and LED lighting according to heritage theme.
After the launch of the project, Goyal inspected the station and instructed officials to make necessary amendments for the restoration. He also interacted with commuters and railway staff.