The Railway Board has set the ball rolling on its planned conversion of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CSMT) into a transport museum -- it is working on drafting a proposal for the project. The project will also include undertaking restoration of the UNESCO-declared heritage building.

While the work is likely to be carried out in stages, the exact date when the work will be begin has not yet been determined. According to officials, the board requires approval from the heritage committee before it can get started on the work.

"The Railway Board is preparing a proposal for the conversion of the CSMT building into a transport museum. The proposal will then be presented to me and further course of action will be initiated," Said Piyush Goyal, union Railway Minister.

The conversion of the building, which serves as the headquarter of the central railway (CR), into a museum showcasing India's railway history was reportedly Goyal's idea. Mumbai has a rich rail history, owing to the fact that Asia's first railway ran between Mumbai and Thane.

Recently, DK Sharma, general manager of the CR, wrote to Railway Board chairman Ashwini Lohani suggesting that the project be carried out through the Railway Board's executive director of heritage.

"The work (for the museum) is highly specialised in nature. The heritage directorate of the Railway Board may be asked to invite EOI (expression of interest) and thereafter getting the work sanctioned and executed based upon the report of the eminent experts," stated the letter.

The CR is also seeking to rent out office spaces for the duration of the project, as the building houses offices of senior CR officials.

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