With Elphinstone Bridge closed off, the hammer will inevitably fall on the Elphinstone Road station as well. However, there is a silver lining: a rare iron bell from the steam engine era, fixed under the bridge, will be saved by the Western Railway (WR) team.
In addition to the bell, there are stone plaques on the bridge and metal plates on the pillars and girders that date back over a century. These artifacts 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. A WR spokesperson confirmed that the authorities are committed to saving the bell and are exploring options to relocate and restore it. There is an extensive heritage gallery at Churchgate station, where the artifact may eventually be displayed.
What is truly heartening is that the bell, having been saved once before, will be preserved again — alongside the heritage plaques. This demonstrates a genuine respect for history and heritage, as well as recognition of their value. We salute the Railways for this thoughtful gesture.
In the frenzy of redevelopment and infrastructure upgradation, such relics often risk disappearing entirely, falling victim to demolition or neglect. Sometimes, they may even be stolen by criminals aiming to sell them. It is therefore vital to identify and preserve these historical markers, as they hold immense significance in chronicling the city’s history.
These artifacts not only teach us valuable lessons from the past but also carry tremendous cultural value. By safeguarding them, we send a strong message to future generations about the importance of honoring and preserving our heritage.
A bell or a plaque is far more than just an object — they are milestone markers symbolizing the growth and transformation of Mumbai. The acknowledgement of this and concerted efforts to keep our past alive are both commendable and necessary.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/kudos-to-railways-for-preserving-historical-relics-23594906
