Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), formerly Victoria Terminus (VT), is Mumbai's most popular and busiest railroad station. Located in the heart of Mumbai, the CST station was named a "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO in 2004. The station was built in 1888 and now has enormous historical significance as a stunning reminder of the British Raj in India. This royal building, which now depicts Mumbai, was created to serve as the Great Indian Peninsular Railway's headquarters.
The huge Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is also one of Mumbai's finest locations, and houses near the CST are quite expensive. This blog goes into great information regarding the CST railroad station and the surrounding CST Mumbai neighborhood.
Key Facts - CST Railway Station Mumbai
Location of CST Station
D.N Road, Mumbai
Established On
In the year 1888
Declared as a World Heritage Site on
In year 2004
Mumbai Local Train Line
Central Line
Highlights of CST Railway Station
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Victorian Gothic architecture.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Flora Fountain, Gateway of India, Nariman Point, Mumbai University
How To Reach
Local taxi, train, and MTDC buses.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST Railroad Station) Overview
The bustling CST railroad station is one of Mumbai's main railroad stations, serving over 3 million travelers daily. Mumbai's local trains run on three lines: the Western Line, the Harbor Line, and the Central Line. The CST railroad station is part of the Central Line, which connects the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) railroad station to Kalyan before branching off to Kasara and Khopoli.
In addition to the original four tracks, the CST railroad station now serves about 11 separate out-station railroad tracks and 7 suburban tracks. From the beginning, the CST railroad station has been identified with the city of dreams. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST station) has witnessed the city's growth, the expansion of the film industry, and its transformation into the 'Financial Capital'.
Architecture and Design of the CST Railroad Station
The layout of this remarkable structure is an excellent example of Victorian Gothic architecture and design, which was prominent in the late nineteenth century. The Gothic features combined with traditional Indian palace building provide an ideal mixture of Indian and European culture.
This infrastructure, which included open verandahs for ventilation, pointed arches, a stone dome, and turrets, took approximately ten years to finish, making it the longest construction time in Bombay at the time. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST railroad station), designed by British architect Fredrick William Stevens, is a majestic building in the shape of a C that occupies 2.85 hectares of land. The Indian Railroads maintains the CST railroad station, which is a strictly protected place.
The CST railroad station's main entrance features two figures of lions and tigers representing Great Britain and India, respectively. The station contains 18 railroad lines and houses the primary headquarters.
CST Railroad Station: Central Line Train Routes and Stations
The important Central Line train route runs from CSMT Railroad Station to Kalyan, covering around 55 kilometers. This route is traveled by both slow and rapid trains. The slow trains on this route continue from Kalyan station via two routes to Kasara and Khopoli. There are 24 stations between CST and Kalyan station, 13 between Kalyan and Khopoli, and 10 between Kalyan and Kasara. The train stations along the route from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST station) to Kalyan are:
Mumbai CST
Masjid
Sandhurst Road
Byculla
Chinchpokli
Currey Road
Parel
Dadar
Matunga
Sion
Kurla
Vidyavihar
Ghatkopar
Vikhroli
Kanjurmarg
Bhandup
Nahar
Mulund
Thane
Kulwa
Mumbra
Diva
Kopar
Dombivali
Thakurli
Kalyan
The train splits at Kalyan station and goes to Khopoli and Kasara respectively. Trains on these two routes stop at all stations. The train routes from Kalyan to Kasara are:
Kalyan
Shahad
Ambivli
Titwala
Khadavli
Vasind
Asangaon
Atgaon
Thansit
Khardi
Umbermali
Kasara
The stations on the route from Kalyan to Khopoli are:
Kalyan
Vithalwadi
Ulhasnagar
Ambernath
Badlapur
Vangani
Shelu
Neral
Bhivpuri Road
Karjat
Palasdari
Kelavli
Dolavli
Lowjee
Khopoli
CST Station Train Timings
The local train in Mumbai is the city's lifeline, and it starts about 4 a.m. Trains departing from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) are both slow and fast. Here are the CST railroad station train times:
Slow Train.
The first train from CSMT to Kasara departs at 4:19 a.m. and arrives in Kasara at 07:03.
First train from CSMT to Khopoli departs at 04:24 AM and arrives at 07:09 AM.
Fast Train
First train from CSMT to Kalyan departs at 05:20 AM and arrives at 06:24 AM.
CST Station (Central Line) Mumbai Train Fares
The fare for journeys in Mumbai local trains ranges from Rs 5 to Rs 35 for second-class tickets, and from Rs 50 to Rs 245 for first-class coaches. The cost of a monthly or quarterly travel pass varies according to the distance traveled. For example, a train journey from CST railroad station to Kasara with an Ist class pass costs roughly Rs 1995, whereas the same route with an IInd class pass costs around Rs 500 each month.
Traveling in an AC train from CST station to Masjid Bunder costs Rs 65, whereas CST to Kalyan costs Rs 210 for a single journey.
How to Buy Local Train Tickets at CST Station?
If you are traveling from CST railroad station, purchasing a local train ticket is comparable to booking a standard or local train ticket; however, there are other options available.
Ticket Counter: The most typical method is to stand in line and buy a train ticket. You can purchase a single-sided or return ticket.
Automated Ticket Vending Machine (ATVM): At CST railroad station and most other Mumbai local stations, a ticket vending machine is installed. You simply select the station to which you wish to travel and pay for your ticket in cash or via UPI.
UTS App: The third and best way to avoid the queue is to book a local rail ticket through the UTS app. It's a paperless, internet payment technique.
Season Pass: There are three sorts of passes: monthly, quarterly, and annual. It is the most cost-effective and time-saving alternative for frequent travelers.
Localities Near CST Railroad Station, Mumbai
The CST station is located in South Mumbai. Some of the nearby locations to the CST railroad station are:
Masjid Bandar
Fort
Mazgaon
Churchgate
Sandhurst Road
Crawford Market Area
Muhammad Ali Road
Marine Lines
Hotels near CST Station, Mumbai
There are various motels near the CST railroad station that cater to different budgets. Here are a few hotel alternatives near the CST Station:
West End Hotel
Chateau Windsor Hotel
Inter Continental Marine Drive
Grand Hotel
Hotel Marina Plaza
The Fountain Inn Hotel
The Ambassador Hotel
Hotel Fortune
Markets Near the CST Railroad Station
From sparkling shopping lanes to Mumbai's largest wholesale market, the city is a shoppers' paradise. If you want to explore Mumbai's shopping streets, here are some sites you may visit near CST station.
Crawford Market, also known as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai, is very close to CST Mumbai. The market is known for its wholesale supply, which includes everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to toys, party decorations, cosmetics, and much more. Crawford Market is housed in an old-style building reminiscent of the colonial period.
Manish Market: Manish Market, located near the CST railroad station in Mumbai, is another wholesale market for electronics, home decor, and fabric. If you want to shop in bulk, Manish Market is the place to be.
Chor Bazaar is India's largest flea market, and you may discover a variety of old objects such as wall clocks, cameras, chandeliers, and other antiques. If you want to go shopping on a budget, the bustling strip of Chor Bazar is worth a visit.
Colaba Causeway is easily accessible via cab. This store sells a wide range of merchandise, including clothing, jewelry, and copies of popular brands, all at moderate prices.
Popular Restaurants Near the CST Station
A famed railroad station in Mumbai has equally amazing cuisine alternatives to sample. So, if you're in or near CST Mumbai, try one of these renowned restaurants near the station:
Cannon Pav Bhaji: Located just across from the CST railroad station, Cannon Pav Bhaji is a popular restaurant that serves the greatest Pav Bhaji in the city.
Badshah: This location is near to the Crawford Market. You can have faloodas and dosas here.
Kayani & Co.: Kayani & Co., a notable and extremely old restaurant, serves excellent Irani cuisine.
Pancham Puriwala is a century-old modest eatery that serves a range of northern Indian delicacies. However, what makes this eatery so popular in Mumbai is its poori-bhaji dish.
Social Infrastructure Near the CST Railroad Station
Mumbai is a metropolitan city that, in addition to providing housing in upmarket neighborhoods, also provides excellent social infrastructure. The following is a list of reputable schools, colleges, and hospitals around and around CST Railroad Station.
Schools
Colleges
Hospitals
Bai Kabibai English School & Junior College
Sir JJ School of Art
Gokuldas Tejpal Hospital
Kannada Bhavan Education Society High School
Sir JJ School of Architecture
Saint George Hospital
Bharda New High School & Jr. College
St. George Dental College
Cama And Albless Hospital
The Aditya Birla Integrated School
St. Xavier’s College
Bombay Hospital & Medical Research Centre
How to Reach CST Mumbai
CST Mumbai can be reached by either local train or road. Here is how you get there.
By Local Train.
CST Railroad stop is easily accessible by train because it is a major railroad stop. The local train will most likely deboard at this railroad station. If you are traveling from the Western railroad line, you will need to take a taxi or the BEST bus to get to the CST railroad station.
By Road.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, or CST station, is one of the city's most valued and visible icons. It is also a popular tourist destination and a must-see for anyone visiting Mumbai for the first time. The CST Mumbai is well-connected to all major Indian cities, making it not only a historical landmark but also one of Mumbai's most visible and significant commercial symbols.
Summing up CST Railroad Station.
Finally, CST Mumbai, located in the city's south, is one of Mumbai's most desirable neighborhoods. The CST railroad station, located here and designated as a "World Heritage Site," is not just an iconic landmark in Mumbai, but also the most recognizable landmark in the city. Every day, lakhs of commuters pass through this railroad station, which is one of Mumbai's busiest. Food booths line the narrow streets outside CST station, making it one of the city's busiest places. Despite its difficulties and obstacles, it remains a major transportation center for both Mumbai residents and tourists visiting the city. It also increases the attraction of Mumbai's CST Railroad Station as a tourist destination.
