INTACH to help in Mumbai CST building restoration

The Central Railway (CR) has joined hands with non-profit organisation INTACH for restoration and beautification of the CST building, a UNESCO world heritage site.
The Indian National Trust and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) will provide technical support for preserving the southern and eastern facades of the building, which houses Mumbai CST station and Central Railway (CR) headquarters.
The CR handed over a letter of acceptance to INTACH at a function held at CST premises yesterday. The NGO is involved in heritage awareness and conservation efforts across India.
Senior railway officials, including additional General Manager of CR S K Srivastava, vice-chairman of INTACH Tasneem Mehta and noted conservation architect Vikas Dilwari, among others, were present.

"Now, INTACH will submit us a detailed report on how to execute the restoration of southern and eastern facades of the heritage building.
"It will provide information related to fund required, timeline and most importantly which agency is to be roped in to carry out the restoration works," Srivastava said.

The SBI Foundation will be giving financial assistance while the Mumbai civic body is also an important partner in executing the project, he said.
Dilwari, who will assist INTACH in the project, said, "We will identify the spots that need restoration. The aim is to give the building a revamped and majestic look."

The CST is among the 10 iconic locations identified by the Centre for development as cleanliness models under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
The other sites are Vaishno Devi, Taj Mahal, Tirupati Temple, Golden Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Meenakshi Temple, Kamakhya Temple and Jagannath Puri.
This is part of an initiative to develop 100 places as model 'Swachh Tourist Destinations' that will enhance the experience for visitors from India and abroad.