Heritage Museum Gallery Launched On 125th Anniversary Of WR's Churchgate HQ

To mark the historic occasion of the completion of 125 years of Western Railway’s Headquarter building, Western Railway (WR) has planned a month-long celebration in January 2024 which will include various events such as exhibitions, heritage walks, release of Coffee Table Book, cultural programmes, etc. As part of this grand celebration, WR is showcasing the rich past of this majestic building and history of Western Railway through an enthralling Light & Sound Show titled ‘Virasat ke Rang’.

Kickstarting the celebration of 125 years of WR's HQ with a dazzling Light & Sound show, bringing its vibrant history to life. 🏰✨ #GloriousSagaWR #VirasatKe125Saal pic.twitter.com/Cibr1rWKY5

— Western Railway (@WesternRly) January 3, 2024

According to a press release issued by Sumit Thakur, Chief Public Relations Officer of WR, the Light & Sound Show is a first of its kind over Western Railway. It showcases the rich cultural legacy & history of Bombay Baroda & Central India Railways (BB&CI), the formation of Western Railway and the important milestones over the years. 

The first show was held on January 2, 2024, which was attended by several dignitaries. The representatives from the media fraternity also attended and witnessed the grand show. This show is being held for three days, i.e. from January 2-4, 2024, with three shows each day through “Invite only”. 

Thakur further informed that WR undertook the renovation & restoration of the magnificent Headquarter building, including the Heritage Gallery located at the Ground Floor. The HQ building has been restored with great emphasis to restore its past glory. The precincts & surroundings have been beautifully enhanced, with landscaping & soothing illumination. The Heritage Gallery has been also renovated aesthetically which will add nostalgia & transport the viewers to the yesteryears.

पश्चिम रेलवे के मुख्यालय भवन के 125 वर्ष पूर्ण होने के ऐतिहासिक अवसर पर इमारत के समृद्ध अतीत को मंत्रमुग्ध करने वाली "लाइट एंड साउंड शो" प्रस्तुति 'विरासत के रंग' के आकर्षक " के माध्यम से चित्रित किया गया हैं। pic.twitter.com/aZeS0viWRn

— Western Railway (@WesternRly) January 4, 2024

In addition to this, WR also renovated the area below the central dome of the building and restored it back to its old heritage charm & beauty. This area has been now beautified and opened as a Heritage Museum Gallery. This area has been redone with wooden panels and soft lighting to give it a heritage touch. The walls have been adorned by rare heritage photographs & murals.

Several artefacts like the logos of the princely states, ornate station furniture, old railway apparatus & equipment, train models, etc., have been kept o­n display. There is also a sit-out room where the patrons can view the hustle & bustle outside the Churchgate station. This new Museum will be an added attraction and will provide a nostalgic experience for the viewers.

For the benefit of general public, the show is available and can be viewed in the official Youtube channel of Western Railway.

This magnificent structure which was constructed in 1899, was earlier the Headquarters office of Bombay Baroda & Central India Railways (BB&CI), which was the forerunner of Western Railway.