CR to appoint consultant for CST dilemma
Central Railways has decided to appoint an independent consultant to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment and determine whether their proposed project to make Chhatrap-ati Shivaji Terminus (CST) a world-class station will have any impact on the heritage value of the property.
This comes after the International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos), that offers advice to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (Unesco) World Heritage Committee, rejected the Indian Railway’s request to reduce the buffer zone around CST. The Railways had sought permission to reduce the buffer zone, as constructions are restricted to protect the heritage value of the site. “We will appoint an independent agency to assess the impact on the heritage value of CST,” said Subodh Jain, general manager of CR.
Earlier, CR had decided that they would not compromise on the “heritage tag” and would abandon the project if Unesco does not give a go-ahead. However, Icomos, while objecting to the CR’s demand, has also recommended that a Heritage Impact Assessment be carried out, following which CR has decided to appoint an agency.
CR sources stated that the Railways had always been proud of CST and did its best to conserve the building, but due to multiplication in passengers during peak hours and lack of adequate amenities, development is the need of the hour. “Major facelift of CST will be hampered if UNESCO does not give its nod. We will have to compromise and undertake on-ly minimal developmental projects such as building foot overbridges and other amenities,” added Mr Jain.
The initial plan included swanky developments such as a five-star hotel in the station premises, shops, an architecturally distinctive gateway, improved track layout, modern finishing material and offices for the railway staff. CST is the only railway terminus in the world to boast of a World Heritage Site tag.
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