SBI foundation commits Rs 10 crore towards conservation, restoration of the iconic CSMT
The funds will be used for the development and preservation of the World Heritage structure (inset: CR GM DK Sharma receiving symbolic cheque from SBI MD Pravin Gupta)
The CSR arm of the country’s largest bank – State Bank of India (SBI) – has committed Rs 10 crore towards the conservation and restoration of the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai.
The CSMT railway station, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The near 130 year-old structure was built by renowned architect FW Stevens and is currently used by over 30 lakh commuters everyday.
Through this project, the CSR arm of the State Bank of India aims to contribute in development and preservation of world heritage structures, SBI said in a statement. The funds will be provided over a period of three to five years.
SBI Managing Director PK Gupta and Central Railway’s Divisional Railway Manager SK Jain signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday, under which the bank will provide Rs 10 crore towards the project under “SBI-Project Swachh Iconic CSMT”.
“The world heritage site will be restored based on internationally accepted norms and policies,” CR General Manager DK Sharma told reporters after the signing.
Restoration work of CSMT heritage building will be done by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), a non-profit organisation, and monitored by the Central Railway.
Till date, the railways had to utilise its own funds to maintain the CSMT building, recognised as one of the top 10 Swachh Iconic Places by the Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation under the Central Government’s “Swachh Bharat Mission”.
The government is now aiming to make 100 iconic heritage, spiritual and cultural places in the country to promote “Swachha Tourist Destinations”.
