Mumbai Rains: Leaks in Mumbai’s iconic CSMT Dome, Foyer barricaded during restoration

Mumbai: Days of relentless monsoon rain have led to significant water leakage inside the iconic dome of Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), forcing authorities to barricade the foyer beneath the structure as restoration work continues.

Foyer Sealed After Rainwater Seepage

Water dripping from the central dome prompted railway authorities to cordon off the area below it, where absorbent cloths and rags have been placed to prevent water accumulation. The affected section lies beneath the landmark dome, one of the defining architectural features of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Restoration Already Underway

According to Central Railway, the dome is already undergoing a scientific conservation programme. Officials said earlier radar scans and drone surveys had identified structural defects inside the Victorian-era dome that were not visible externally, and repair work is currently addressing those issues.

Authorities maintained that the ongoing restoration is designed not only to stop leakages but also to preserve the building's original architectural character.

Heritage Conservation Measures

The restoration is being carried out with technical guidance from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee.

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The conservation work includes:

• Cleaning algae deposits using high-pressure water jets
• Repairing damaged stonework and cracks
• Removing vegetation growing on the structure
• Protecting the building's stained-glass windows

The iconic Statue of Progress, located atop the dome, has also been covered with waterproof material while restoration continues.

Built between 1878 and 1888, CSMT remains one of Mumbai's most recognisable landmarks and continues to function as one of India's busiest railway stations while retaining its UNESCO World Heritage status.