Mumbai News: Western Railway To Celebrate 160 Years Of Bandra Station With Month-Long ‘Station Mahotsav’ From June 20

Mumbai: Western Railway is gearing up to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the iconic Bandra suburban railway station with an elaborate month-long event titled “Station Mahotsav.” The celebration, set to commence on June 20, 2025, aims to honor the station’s rich heritage, its architectural grandeur, and its deep-rooted connection with the people of Mumbai.

"The inauguration ceremony on June 20 will feature the release of a special commemorative postal stamp and a vibrant cultural program, spotlighting the talent of local artists. In preparation for the celebrations, the station premises have already undergone aesthetic enhancements to highlight its architectural beauty and historical significance" said an official of WR.

To ensure public participation, Western Railway has announced a host of engaging activities and competitions, inviting citizens, commuters, and art lovers to showcase their creativity.

According to WR, vents include an Art & Craft Competition, which welcomes drawings, paintings, digital artworks, and clay models centered on Bandra station’s legacy, allowing artists of all ages to express their interpretation of the station’s rich history.

The Vlog Making Competition encourages participants to document the heritage and evolution of Bandra station through compelling video stories, highlighting architectural changes, personal experiences, and historical milestones.

Adding a nostalgic touch, the “Purani Yaadein” Initiative invites people to share cherished memories, old photographs, and voice clips that reflect their emotional connection to the station, creating a collective tapestry of personal narratives.

Complementing these creative endeavors is a Badge-Making Activity, where participants can design symbolic emblems that capture the essence of the station’s 160-year journey, reinforcing a shared sense of pride and celebration among the community

The deadline for all competition entries is June 30, and selected works will be displayed at Bandra Station on July 13, as well as showcased on Western Railway’s official social media platforms.

One of the highlights of the Mahotsav will be a special Light & Sound Show and Photo Exhibition, scheduled for July 5–6, which will bring to life the station’s journey from its establishment to the present day.

The exhibition will also include interviews with eminent personalities and railway enthusiasts sharing their fond memories and insights about the station. The month-long festivities will culminate on July 27, with a grand closing ceremony and felicitation of competition winners.

Bandra Station, opened on November 28, 1864, and further adorned by its iconic heritage building in 1888, is recognized as a Grade I heritage structure under the Government of Maharashtra's 1995 regulations. A unique blend of Victorian Gothic and vernacular architectural styles, the station continues to be a beloved landmark of Mumbai.

"Western Railway has invited citizens to register for the competitions through a Google Form link available on its official social media handles — @WerMumbai on Instagram and @MumbaiWR on Facebook. Participants are encouraged to share their entries online using hashtags #StationMahotsav, #BandraStation, and #HeritageMahotsav" said an official of WR.

"With its blend of art, history, and community engagement, “Bandra Station Mahotsav” promises to be a fitting tribute to one of Mumbai’s oldest and most cherished railway stations" he said.

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