This is strictly not only for train lovers but also for those who are not so excited about railways. Who knew, in the heart of Mumbai and that too near the 24/7 busy and bustling Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, we would discover a world that transports us to the ancient era of trains, when this beautiful locomotive now Mumbai’s Lifeline came to be used and in what manner!
The Heritage Gully is that world of wonder which showcases railway coaches, cranes and printing machines used in british and pre-british era. The moment you enter the gate that takes you to platform no.18 of the CSMT you can’t stop yourself from getting transfixed to the grand and enticing train wagons kept on display to get you acquainted with what it once was to travel in the first built trains in ancient India.
The Indian Railways created history over 169 years ago, on 16th April 1853, when the first passenger train ran between Bombay i.e. Bori Bunder which is currently our very own CSMT to Thane covering a distance of 34 kms. The first train had 13 carriages or wagons and was operated by 3 locomotives, namely Sahib, Sultan and Sindh, and had thirteen carriages
This black little beauty is a concrete slab machine constructed in the year 1918 and manufactured for commercial use in the year 1938 by an England based company which is way different than the kind of such machines made now-a-days.
From far-off this one looked as though it was used to carry stones and rocks from one place to another but on closer look this outstanding red riding hood had the capacity to douse fires back then. This one is a fire engine manufactured far back in the year 1890 by a company in London which indicates how much effect did the British colonisation had on India which changed every basic in every sphere of the Indian life.
The Printing press or machine as seen above is one of the most profound examples of the printing technology used back in the 18th century and looking at this machine right here it seems the operator of this machine would be having fun while using it. Looking at the build and quality of iron used to make these grand scale convenient machines we come to know of the expertise put in manufacturing and using them.
For us, this one is the star of the show for more than one reasons. The moment you enter this compound the first thing that catches your eye is this massive super structure, secondly it is painted with the most liveliest and brightest colours, thirdly this steam operated crane is so huge that when you stand near it your existence just dissolves which is a great insight into one of the most important lessons of life viz.
“You are just a speck in this universe, yet this universe would be incomplete without you”,
fourthly a structure so grand as this one made in the year 1929 is something hardly anyone of us must have seen and it is still preserved by the railways and experts in such a great way and I could go on & on & on but there are many reasons for this super crane to be my favourite.
The recently opened bogie wogie restaurant on wheels is a wonder in itself, something Mumbai hasn’t seen wherein a variety of dishes in vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian cuisine have been added to the menu. The word bogie/बोगी actually means wagon and a fun name sounding like boogie woogie has been appropriately kept for this food joint. The ambience inside this coach restaurant is beautiful and seating is comfortable.
All the iconic and most visited tourist places have been drawn and sketched on this wagon, those places which represent Mumbai – the city of dreams. This Restaurant on Wheels is open 24/7 considering the flow of passengers at platform no. 18 of the CSMT.
