It was built between 1878 and 1887.
The station is a grand reminder of the British Raj in India and still one of the most historical landmarks within the Central Business District of Mumbai.
In 1996, the Minister of Railways, Suresh Kalmadi, changed the name of the station to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, in honor of great Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji, founder of the Maratha Empire.
The complete construction of the building took ten years, which was the longest time taken by any building of that era in Bombay.
It was opened to the Queen on her Golden Jubilee in 1887 and was the most expensive building in Bombay, which then cost about 260,000 Sterling Pounds.
The entrance gates to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus carry two columns, which are crowned – one with a lion (representing Great Britain) and the other with a tiger (representing India).
The main structure is made of sandstone and limestone, and the interiors of the station are lined with premium quality Italian marble.
In addition to the 18 railway lines, the CST is also home to the main headquarters, the Star Chamber, grotesques and the North Wing.