CSMT redevelopment plan: “We will keep the 1930 look intact” -MD/ISRDC

Which part of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) will go? Which built up area will give way?

These are the some of the conditions-

1. No Change in Land use is required;

2. Exact built up area allowed shall be known at the RFP stage;

3. Upto 2.54 lakh sqm of Built up Area (tentative) is allowed for commercial development;

4. No prior environmental clearance is required from Ministry of Environment and Forest;

5. Long Term lease-rights for real estate: Upto 99 years for residential or mix use format and 60 years for non-residential formats;

6. Additional revenue stream: Pre-determined user charges (as notified by Ministry of Railways) from railway station users as in practice in airports etc.

“As per our plan we will keep the 1930 look intact”, said the MD/ISRDC.

Now what does MD/ISRDC mean by “1930”?

I am sharing a google map along with the cropped area of CSMT, other offices and mainline areas.

The specific mention of 1930 clearly indicates that there is a high chance Central Railway Headquarters offices (Mechanical, Operating including complete DRM office etc. adjacent main line platforms) are most likely to go.

It may also mean demolition and change in the office building adjoining suburban platforms also (in front of Times of India building).

Developing residences in that area with 99 year lease and for shopping complexes will totally change the character of the area, which is full of historic Gothic and Indo-Saracenic buildings (GPO is next to old office buildings and the remains of Fort walls a walking distance).

It also says that no change in Land use is required although it will be under the jurisdiction of the State Government probably.

We can visualise CSMT surrounded by residential towers and malls.

It will be better if some clear maps and plans are shared by ISRDC.

Author: A. K. Shrivastav

#CSMT #CST #Redevelopment #ISRDC #Central_Railway #Maharashtra #ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharajTerminus