Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), formerly Victoria Terminus (VT), is Mumbai’s most popular and busiest train station. Located in the heart of Mumbai, the CST station was named a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO in 2004. The station was built in 1888 and now has enormous historical significance as a stunning reminder of the British Raj in India. This royal building, which now depicts Mumbai, was created to serve as the Great Indian Peninsular Railway’s headquarters.

The huge Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is also one of Mumbai’s finest locations, and houses near the CST are extremely expensive. This blog goes into great information regarding the CST railway station and the surrounding CST Mumbai neighbourhood.

Key Facts – CST Railway Station Mumbai

Location of CST Station

D.N Road, Mumbai

Established On

In the year 1888

Declared as a World Heritage Site on

In year 2004

Mumbai Local Train Line

Central Line 

Highlights of CST Railway Station

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Victorian Gothic architecture.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Flora Fountain, Gateway of India, Nariman Point, Mumbai University

How To Reach

Local taxi, train, and MTDC buses.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST Railway Station) Overview

The bustling CST railway station is one of Mumbai’s main train stations, serving over 3 million commuters every day. Mumbai’s local trains run on three lines: the Western Line, the Harbour Line and the Central Line. The CST railway station is part of the Central Line, which connects the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) railway station to Kalyan before branching off to Kasara and Khopoli.

In addition to the original four tracks, the CST railway station now serves about 11 separate out-station railway tracks and 7 suburban tracks. From the beginning, the CST train station has been identified with the city of dreams. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST station) has witnessed the city’s growth, the expansion of the film industry, and its transformation into the ‘Financial Capital’.

Architecture and Design of the CST Railway Station

The layout of this remarkable structure is an excellent example of Victorian Gothic architecture and design, which was prominent in the late nineteenth century. The Gothic features combined with traditional Indian palace building provide an ideal mixture of Indian and European culture.

This infrastructure, which included open verandahs for ventilation, pointed arches, a stone dome, and turrets, took approximately ten years to finish, making it the longest construction time in Bombay at the time. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST train station), designed by British architect Fredrick William Stevens, is a majestic building in the shape of a C that occupies 2.85 hectares of land. The Indian Railways maintains the CST railway station, which is a strictly secured location.

The CST train station’s main entrance features two figures of lions and tigers representing Great Britain and India, respectively. The station contains 18 train lines and houses the main headquarters.

CST Railway Station: Central Line Train Routes and Stations

The primary Central Line train route runs from CSMT Railway Station to Kalyan, covering around 55 kilometres. This route is travelled by both slow and rapid trains. The slow trains on this route continue from Kalyan station via two routes to Kasara and Khopoli. There are 24 stations between CST and Kalyan station, 13 between Kalyan and Khopoli, and 10 between Kalyan and Kasara. The train stations along the route from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST station) to Kalyan are:

Mumbai CST

Masjid

Sandhurst Road

Byculla

Chinchpokli

Currey Road

Parel

Dadar

Matunga

Sion

Kurla

Vidyavihar

Ghatkopar

Vikhroli

Kanjurmarg

Bhandup

Nahar

Mulund

Thane

Kulwa

Mumbra

Diva

Kopar

Dombivali

Thakurli

Kalyan

The train splits at Kalyan station and goes to Khopoli and Kasara respectively. Trains on these two routes stop at all stations. The train routes from Kalyan to Kasara are:

Kalyan

Shahad

Ambivli

Titwala

Khadavli

Vasind

Asangaon

Atgaon

Thansit

Khardi

Umbermali

Kasara

The stations on the route from Kalyan to Khopoli are:

Kalyan

Vithalwadi

Ulhasnagar

Ambernath

Badlapur

Vangani

Shelu

Neral

Bhivpuri Road

Karjat

Palasdari

Kelavli

Dolavli

Lowjee

Khopoli

CST Station Train Timings

The local train in Mumbai is the city’s lifeline, and it starts about 4 a.m. Trains departing from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) are both slow and fast. Here are the CST railway station train times:

Slow Train

First train from CSMT to Kasara – Starts at 4:19 AM and reaches Kasara by 07:03 AM

First train from CSMT to Khopoli – Starts at 04:24 AM and reaches Khopoli by 07:09 AM

Fast Train

First Train from CSMT to Kalyan – Starts at 05:20 AM and reaches Kalyan by 06:24 AM

CST Station (Central Line) Mumbai Train Fares

The fare for journeys in Mumbai local trains ranges from Rs 5 to Rs 35 for second-class tickets, and from Rs 50 to Rs 245 for first-class coaches. The cost of a monthly or quarterly travel pass varies according to the distance travelled. For example, a train journey from CST railway station to Kasara with an Ist class pass costs roughly Rs 1995, whereas the same route with an IInd class pass costs around Rs 500 each month.

Travelling in an AC train from CST station to Masjid Bunder costs Rs 65, whereas CST to Kalyan costs Rs 210 for a single journey.

How to Buy Local Train Tickets at CST Station?

If you are travelling from CST railway station, purchasing a local train ticket is comparable to reserving a normal or local train ticket; however, there are several options available.

Ticket Counter: The most typical method is to stand in queue and buy a train ticket. You can purchase a single-sided or return ticket.

Automated Ticket Vending Machine (ATVM): A ticket vending machine is available at the CST railway station, as well as most other minor stations in Mumbai. You simply select the station to which you wish to travel and pay for your ticket in cash or via UPI.

UTS App: The third and best way to avoid the queue is to reserve a local rail ticket through the UTS App. It’s a paperless, internet payment technique.

Season Pass: There are three sorts of passes: monthly, quarterly, and yearly. It is the most cost-effective and time-saving solution for frequent travellers.

Property Rates Near CST Railway Station

The CST railway station area, located in South Mumbai and near one of the major train stations, is home to some of Mumbai’s most expensive houses.

The average property price in the CST station Mumbai region is Rs 30,000 per square foot, with units ranging from Rs 11,163 to Rs 32,500 per sqft. Crawford Road, Masjid Bandar, Dhobi Talao, and Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Road are all close to CST train station and have a mix of residential and business structures.

According to Mumbai Homes Now data, approximately 67% of properties for sale in the Mumbai CST station area or nearby areas are priced between Rs 1.2 Cr and Rs 2.4 Cr, while 33% are priced between Rs 2.2 Cr and Rs 2.4 Cr, with a 1BHK configuration unit being one of the most sought-after and standard units in this area. Given its location in the southern section of Mumbai, property values in this area are skyrocketing.

However, whether you are a potential homebuyer or a real estate investor, the CST Mumbai area offers a wide selection of properties for investing in real estate in Mumbai.

Real Estate Projects Near the CST Railway Station

The majority of the residential properties surrounding CST Railway Station are historic structures. However, there are a few high-rise residential buildings along Fort and Marine Lines. So, if you’re intending to buy a house near CST station, you can consider the following options:

Rustomjee Sewri: Rustomjee Sewri is the Rustomjee Group’s forthcoming luxury residential development in the Shivaji Nagar district of Sewri, South Mumbai. Located in the burgeoning “New SoBo” (South Bombay) hub, the project offers great multi-directional connectivity:

Rustomjee Crown: Far from the hustle and bustle of Lower Parel, the most exclusive 5.75-acre gated estate in Prabhadevi offers premium 3, 4, and 5 BHK residences/apartments. It is one of the greatest houses in South Mumbai, with delightful surprises at every turn, including terraces and pools. A spot where you may escape the world and rediscover yourself, making it the most sought-after property in Prabhadevi- Contact Them 

Aplite Greenstone Heritage, Fort: This is an upcoming residential project in Fort near CST railway station which will have 1 & 2 BHK configuration units. The Aplite’s phase I construction is near completion, and possession will start in October 2023. The price range of units in this project is between Rs 1.38 Cr – 2.72 Cr.

Kapil Bayview Phase II, Mazgaon: This is another upcoming project which is located in Mazgaon near CST railway station. The built-up area of this project is 636 sq. ft, and the average price is Rs 1.35 Cr.

Aplite Greenstone Heritage Wing D, CST: This project is located in the CST Mumbai area and offers 1 & 2 BHK apartments. The project will have 92 units from 384.00 sqft to 671.00 sqft. The price range in this project will be between 1.38 Cr – 2.72 Cr, with possession date from October 2024.

Ruparel Vivanza, Byculla: Located in the Central Mumbai suburbs, this project offers ultra-premium 1 & 2 BHK residential apartments with areas around 424 sqft – 635 sqft.

Localities Near CST Railway Station Mumbai

The CST station is located in South Mumbai. Some of the nearby locations to the CST railway station are:

Masjid Bandar

Fort

Mazgaon

Churchgate

Sandhurst Road

Crawford Market Area

Mohammad Ali Road

Marine Lines

Hotels near CST Station Mumbai

There are various hotels near the CST train station that cater to all budgets. Here are a few hotel alternatives near the CST Station:

West End Hotel

Chateau Windsor Hotel

Inter Continental Marine Drive

Grand Hotel

Hotel Marine Plaza

The Fountain-Inn Hotel

The Ambassador Hotel

Hotel Fortune

Markets Near CST Railway Station

From sparkling shopping lanes to Mumbai’s largest wholesale market, the city is a shoppers’ paradise. If you want to explore Mumbai’s shopping streets, here are some sites you may visit near CST station.

Crawford Market: This market, also known as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai, is extremely close to the CST in Mumbai. The market is known for its wholesale supply, which includes everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to toys, party decorations, cosmetics, and much more. Crawford Market is housed in an old-style building with colonial influences.

Manish Market: Manish Market, located near Mumbai’s CST railway station, is another wholesale market for electronics, home decor, and fabric. If you want to shop in bulk, Manish Market is the place to be.

Chor Bazaar: This is India’s largest flea market, and you may find a wide variety of old objects such as wall clocks, cameras, chandeliers, and other antiques. If you want to go shopping on a budget, the bustling strip of Chor Bazar is worth a visit.

Colaba Causeway: A brief taxi ride will get you to Colaba Causeway. This store sells a wide range of products, including clothing, jewellery, and copies of popular brands, all at moderate costs.

Popular Restaurants Near CST Station

A famed railway station in Mumbai has equally amazing cuisine alternatives to sample. So, if you’re in or near CST Mumbai, try one of these renowned restaurants near the station:

Cannon Pav Bhaji: Cannon Pav Bhaji, located directly across from the CST railway station, is a prominent restaurant that serves the greatest Pav Bhaji in the city.

Badshah: This location is near to the Crawford Market. You can have faloodas and dosas here.

Kayani & Co.: Kayani & Co., another well-known and long-standing restaurant, serves outstanding Iranian specialities.

Pancham Puriwala: It is a century-old modest restaurant that serves a range of northern Indian foods. However, what makes this eatery so popular in Mumbai is its poori-bhaji dish.

Social Infrastructure Near the CST Railway Station

Mumbai is a metropolitan city that, in addition to providing housing in premium neighbourhoods, also provides excellent social infrastructure. The following is a list of reputable schools, colleges, and hospitals in and around CST Railway Station.

Schools

Colleges

Hospitals

Bai Kabibai English School & Junior College

Sir JJ School of Art Gokuldas Tejpal Hospital
Kannada Bhavan Education Society High School Sir JJ School of Architecture Saint George Hospital
Bharda New High School & Jr. College St. George Dental College Cama And Albless Hospital
The Aditya Birla Integrated School St. Xavier’s College

Bombay Hospital & Medical Research Centre

How To Reach CST Mumbai

CST Mumbai can be reached by either local train or road. Here is how you get there.

By Local Train

CST Railway Station is easily accessible by train because it is a major railway station. The local train will most likely disembark at this railway stop. If you are going from the Western railway line, you will need to take a taxi or the BEST bus to get to the CST railway station.

By Road

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, or CST station, is one of the city’s most valued and visible icons. It is also a popular tourist destination and a must-see for everyone visiting Mumbai for the first time. The CST Mumbai is well-connected to all major Indian cities, making it not only a historical landmark but also one of Mumbai’s most visible and significant commercial symbols.

Summing up CST Railway Station

Finally, CST Mumbai, located in the city’s south, is one of Mumbai’s most desirable neighbourhoods. The CST train station, located here and designated as a “World Heritage Site,” is not only a famous landmark in Mumbai, but also the most identifiable feature in the city. Every day, lakhs of passengers pass through this railway station, which is one of Mumbai’s busiest. Food booths line the narrow streets outside CST station, making it one of the city’s busiest places. Despite its difficulties and obstacles, it remains a major transportation centre for both Mumbai residents and tourists visiting the city. It also increases the attraction of Mumbai’s CST Railway Station as a tourist destination.