The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) dome is getting cleaned and spruced up from inside, probably for the first time since 1889, when it was built. The cleaning work at the UNESCO World Heritage site began just over a month ago, with scaffoldings erected around the statue of a lion holding a shield. Soon, workers will climb up with brooms and water jets to remove the cobwebs and smudge that officials think haven’t been ever dusted down. 

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A Central Railway engineer said the dome has most likely not been cleaned ever since it was built. “There are plenty of cobwebs, and certain portions have blackened due to the dust that has accumulated over the years,” he said, adding that the authorities won’t use any chemicals, but only plain water as per restoration norms. 

Chief public relations officer of CR, Shivaji Sutar said the station isn’t as crowded as prior to the lockdown and the plan is to use this time and finish the cleaning by the end of the year. The cleaning work is part of the CSMT restoration project that was undertaken earlier this year at a cost of Rs 51 crore. The project is divided into various sub-works such as the restoration of the Western facade (facing DN Road), stained glass works, and restoration of the sky-lit concourse. 

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