With Elphinstone Bridge closed off, the hammer will soon fall on the Elphinstone Road station as well. However, a rare iron bell from the steam engine era, fixed under the bridge, will be saved by the Western Railway (WR) team.
There are also stone plaques on the bridge and metal plates on the pillars and girders, dating back a century, which trace their manufacturing origins to the United Kingdom. As highlighted by mid-day earlier, these plaques will also be preserved.
The bell, located between platforms 1 and 2, is a popular selfie spot among commuters and visitors. A WR spokesperson confirmed that the authorities are committed to saving the bell and are exploring options to relocate and restore it. Given that there is an extensive heritage gallery at Churchgate station, the artefact may find a new home there.
What is heartening is that this bell, which has been saved once before, will be saved again — along with the heritage plaques. This demonstrates a genuine respect for history and heritage, along with a recognition of their value. We salute the Railways for this thoughtful gesture.
In the frenzy of redevelopment and infrastructure upgradation, such relics often face the risk of disappearing altogether, breaking beyond repair, or getting lost as cranes and hammers dismantle existing structures. Sometimes, they are even filched by criminals eager to sell these artefacts.
It is vital to identify and preserve these markers of our city’s history. They not only teach us valuable lessons from the past but also carry immense historical significance. By safeguarding these relics, we send a message to future generations about the importance of valuing and protecting our heritage.
A bell or a plaque is more than just an object — they are milestone markers of Mumbai’s growth and transformation. The acknowledgement of this, along with efforts to keep our past alive, is both creditable and necessary.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/kudos-to-railways-for-preserving-historical-relics-23594906