Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT): A Complete Travel Guide

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus – Location, FAQs & Nearby Accommodation

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, commonly known as CSMT, is a historic railway station located in Mumbai’s Fort area. Originally built in 1887 as Victoria Terminus, it showcases stunning Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

The station handles over 3 million passengers daily across 18 platforms, serving both suburban local trains and long-distance express routes. Platforms 1–7 are mainly for local trains, while 8–18 cater to outstation services. It also serves as the headquarters of Central Railway, making it a crucial hub in India’s railway network. CSMT provides various modern facilities such as ticket counters, waiting areas, food plazas, lifts, escalators, and paid rest spaces for short stays. It is also connected to Mumbai Metro Line 3 through an underground passage, improving connectivity.

Built on the historic Bori Bunder site from 1854, CSMT reflects Mumbai’s growth as a port city. Its grand interiors, high ceilings, intricate stonework, and iconic clock tower make it a major heritage attraction and transit hub. If you are a business traveler visiting Mumbai with your family, a serviced apartment is a smart choice. It offers home-like comfort with spacious living areas, a kitchen, and essential amenities. This ensures a convenient and comfortable stay for your entire family. PAJASA serviced apartments are available across Mumbai near major business parks. They provide better value, more space, and greater comfort than traditional hotel stays.

History of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

CSMT was opened on 3 October 1888 and designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens in Victorian Gothic Revival style blended with Indian motifs like chhatris and stone elephants. The 30-million-brick structure features a 60m ribbed dome and star-shaped platform layout serving more than 3 million daily passengers.

• 1996: Renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus honoring Maratha warrior king Shivaji.
• 2017: Became Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT code).
• 2004: UNESCO World Heritage Site status for architectural excellence.

Architecture of UNESCO World Heritage Site: CSMT

The iconic 33m ribbed dome crowns a U-shaped facade featuring pointed Gothic arches, turrets, and polychrome stonework inspired by Italian palaces. The 16m clock tower and star-shaped platform layout accommodate 18 platforms under vast iron-glass train sheds.

• Deep verandahs designed for Mumbai’s climate.
• Chhatris, stone elephants, and floral motifs crafted by local artisans.
• Gargoyles, flying buttresses, and chaitya arches blending Eastern and Western styles.

UNESCO recognizes CSMT Mumbai as one of the finest examples of High Victorian Gothic architecture with Indo-Saracenic influences including marble columns, stained glass, and intricate carvings executed by students of the JJ School of Art.

26/11 Attack at CSMT

During the 26 November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, two Lashkar-e-Taiba gunmen—Ajmal Kasab and Ismail Khan—entered CSMT station at 9:21 PM, firing indiscriminately into crowds. Over 90 minutes, they killed 58 passengers and injured 104 others across platforms and concourses.

Station announcer Vishnu Zende’s urgent warnings evacuated thousands, saving countless lives. Remarkably, CSMT resumed operations within days, symbolizing Mumbai’s resilience despite the tragedy that claimed 175 lives citywide.

Where is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus located in Mumbai?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) sits at the heart of Mumbai’s Fort area, precisely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001—coordinates 18°56′23″N 72°50′08″E in the bustling Bori Bunder neighborhood.

How to Reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus?

One can reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus via local trains, BEST buses, Metro Line 1 and upcoming Metro Line 3, taxis, autos, or by walking from Marine Lines station. The station serves as the Central Railway terminus for over 1800 daily trains connecting Konkan to Kashmir.

Things to Do near CSMT Railway Station

Join heritage walking tours inside the station, view the main concourse and museum exhibits, photograph the dome and clock tower, and watch train arrivals from platform 18. Visitors can also explore Azad Maidan, the railway museum, and heritage architecture surrounding the station. Weekends feature guided heritage walks exploring Victorian Gothic details and Maratha motifs. Observation pods offer aerial views of the UNESCO heritage masterpiece. Mumbai is also home to many shopping malls across the city. Shopping malls in Mumbai are spread across the city, making them easily accessible from different neighborhoods.

Nearby Attractions by CSMT Mumbai

Gateway of India

Gateway of India is Mumbai’s iconic waterfront monument built in 1924 to welcome King George V and Queen Mary. Located around 2.5–3 km from CSMT, it is easily accessible via bus, taxi, or a short heritage walk.

Marine Drive

Marine Drive is Mumbai’s iconic 3.6 km seaside promenade known as the Queen’s Necklace. Located about 3 km from CSMT, it offers stunning sunset views and Art Deco architecture.

Juhu Beach

Juhu Beach is one of Mumbai’s most popular beaches known for street food, celebrity homes, and sunset views. It is located around 19–21 km from CSMT.

Crawford Market

Crawford Market, officially known as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai, is a bustling Victorian Gothic wholesale market located just 1 km from CSMT. It is famous for fresh produce, spices, imported goods, and street shopping.

There are many places to visit in Mumbai, ranging from historic landmarks to scenic coastal spots. Each location offers a unique glimpse into the city’s culture, heritage, and everyday life.

Shopping & Street Experience near CSMT Railway Station

Right outside CSMT, visitors can enjoy famous Mumbai street food including vada pav, sandwiches, chai, bhel puri, pav bhaji, roasted corn, and kulfi. Nearby streets around Flora Fountain and Crawford Market are packed with local stalls, bargain shopping, and authentic Mumbai flavors.

Famous Food & Cafes near CSMT Station

Popular food spots near CSMT include Aram Vada Pav, Cannon Pav Bhaji, and Café Excelsior. These iconic eateries serve everything from crispy vada pav and buttery pav bhaji to heritage Parsi dishes and bun maska.

Best Service Apartments near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Looking for the best service apartments near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)? PAJASA offers premium, fully furnished corporate stays near Mumbai’s most well-connected locations. The closest and most convenient areas to CSMT include Dadar, Lower Parel, Worli, and Bandra, all within easy commuting distance. Whether you’re traveling for business or a long stay, PAJASA offers service apartments across Mumbai including Powai, BKC, Andheri, Bandra, Dadar, Juhu, Worli, Airoli, Versova, Vikhroli, Santacruz, Goregaon, and Lower Parel. Each apartment offers more space, privacy, and comfort than traditional hotels, with modern amenities and prime locations. Discover our presence and choose the ideal stay near CSMT.

• Room options: 1-3 BHK, Studio.
• Distance from CSMT: 2-4 km.
• Features: Luxury apartments, kitchen, WiFi, maid service, king/queen beds, living room, washing machine, and more.

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