What is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and why is it significant?

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, also known as CST, is a historic railway station located in Mumbai, India. It was built in 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria and was originally called Victoria Terminus. It was designed by Frederick William Stevens, a British architect, who blended Victorian Gothic Revival style with traditional Indian architecture to create a unique structure.

The station is significant for several reasons. First, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture in India. Second, it is one of the busiest railway stations in India and serves as a major transportation hub connecting Mumbai to other parts of the country.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is also an important cultural landmark. It has been featured in numerous Bollywood films and has become an iconic symbol of Mumbai's rich cultural heritage. The station was renamed in 1996 in honor of Chhatrapati Shivaji, a 17th century Indian warrior king who is considered a hero in Maharashtra, the state in which Mumbai is located.

Overall, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is an important piece of India's history and cultural identity, as well as a vital transportation hub connecting millions of people each day.