Pune Railway Station Celebrates its 99th Anniversary : A Historical Landmark Preserved with Modern Facilities
The 99th anniversary of the iconic Pune Railway Station building was celebrated on Wednesday, 27th July, with great joy and enthusiasm at Platform No.1. The event witnessed the presence of Madan Lal Meena, Director of Pune Station, along with a large gathering of passengers, locals, and railway employees.
During the rule of various princely states in Pune, several historical buildings were erected in and around the city, and one of the prominent landmarks is the present main building of Pune Railway Station.
This grand structure was inaugurated on 27th July 1925 by Sir Leslie Wilson, the then Governor of Bombay Province. The redevelopment of Pune Railway Station took place in 1920 to accommodate the growing traffic, resulting in the construction of the new station building. Previously, the station consisted of a single-storey black stone building with a Kawelu-covered roof, featuring its main entrance at the center. The building then saw an expense of Rs 5 lakhs to complete its construction work.Â
The building’s elegance is enhanced by its sloping red Kawelu roof on the white-colored edifice, reflecting traditional Indian architectural style. The roof includes windows, adding to its charm. The two-storey building boasts a spacious verandah on both the ground and first floors, with several large rooms on the first floor. Currently, these rooms are utilized for facilities like retirement rooms while preserving the original architecture.
In a commendable effort to blend the past with the present, modern amenities have been incorporated into the building without compromising its historical significance. The redevelopment of the station area is being carried out with utmost care to preserve the station’s historic charm and legacy for generations to come.
Harsha Shah, founder, Railway Pravasi Group, Pune said that Pune railway station is a heritage building and we are hoping that the monument receives UNSECO World Heritage Site recognition.Â