Byculla Railway Station gets 'UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award'

The 169-year-old Byculla Railway Station in Mumbai has received the prestigious 'UNESCO Asia Pacific Cultural Heritage Award' for its remarkable restoration, restoring it to its original glory. This recognition was presented to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, marking a momentous occasion for the historic railway station and the efforts behind its revival.

Byculla Railway Station gets 'UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award'

A Noble Restoration Effort

The commendable restoration work of Byculla Railway Station was initiated by BJP leader and spokesperson Shaina NC's NGO 'I Love Mumbai,' in collaboration with heritage conservation architect Abha Lamba and Minal Bajaj of Bajaj Trust. Their vision and dedication played a significant role in bringing back the station's former grandeur, preserving its rich heritage for future generations to admire and appreciate.

The Journey of Restoration

The journey of transforming the Byculla Railway Station commenced in July 2019, with meticulous planning and dedication going into every step of the process. The extensive restoration project was completed on April 29 the following year, culminating in the grand unveiling of the newly revitalized station building. The esteemed Minister of State for Railways, Raosaheb Dadarao Patil Danve, inaugurated the new look of the station building, a moment that marked the triumph of preserving cultural heritage.

UNESCO's Endeavor

UNESCO's Asia-Pacific Prize for Cultural Heritage Conservation Program has been a beacon of recognition for individuals and organizations committed to the restoration, conservation, and transformation of valuable heritage structures and buildings in the region since 2000. The award aims to honor and encourage such noble efforts that preserve the essence of history and culture.

The 2022 Prize Recipients

In November 2022, UNESCO selected thirteen remarkable projects from six countries for the Asia-Pacific Prize 2022, acknowledging their contributions to the protection of cultural heritage. Alongside Byculla Railway Station, Mumbai, India's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya - Mumbai, Golconda, Hyderabad's Stepwells, and Domkonda Fort - Telangana, were also chosen for this prestigious award. These projects stand as testaments to the enduring efforts to safeguard and showcase the historical significance of their respective structures.

In conclusion, the recognition of Byculla Railway Station with the 'UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award' is a testament to the power of preservation and the commitment of dedicated individuals and organizations to conserve our cultural heritage. The restoration of this 169-year-old station represents not only a triumph of architectural revitalization but also a celebration of history and identity. As we move forward, let us continue to cherish and protect our cultural heritage, ensuring that it remains a vibrant part of our lives and an inspiration for future generations.

FAQs

1. How old is Byculla Railway Station?

   Byculla Railway Station is 169 years old, steeped in history and cultural significance.

2. Who initiated the restoration of Byculla Railway Station?

   The restoration work of Byculla Railway Station was initiated by Shaina NC's NGO 'I Love Mumbai' in collaboration with heritage conservation experts.

3. When was the restoration project completed?

   The restoration project of Byculla Railway Station was completed on April 29, last year.

4. What award did Byculla Railway Station receive?

   Byculla Railway Station received the 'UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Award' for its remarkable restoration.

5. Which other projects were awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Prize in 2022?

   Along with Byculla Railway Station, India's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya - Mumbai, Golconda, Hyderabad's Stepwells, and Domkonda Fort - Telangana were also awarded the prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Prize in 2022.