The Iconic Heritage Structure of the Southern Railway Headquarters

It's massive - it's majestic - it's mammoth. As it is located next door to the Central Railway Station, with just a small road in-between, not only the locals but even the new visitors to Chennai traveling by train would never miss observing it. Yes, I am talking about the iconic heritage structure housing the Southern Railway Headquarters.

The heritage structure celebrates its centenary this year (2022). It was inaugurated on 11th December 1922 by Lady Willingdon. (Marie Adelaide married Freeman Thomas, the then Governor of Madras and the future Governor General of India, was called Lady Willingdon.)
The foundation stone was laid about seven years earlier, on 8th February 1915, by Lord Pentland, the then Governor of Madras. 

Two stone plaques at the entrance pillars provide the details of the above events.

The magnificent building, one of the first modern office buildings of the country, can be technically termed as Indo Saracenic architecture style, as it is a fusion of Classical and Dravidian styles. However, the design is unique, with more Dravidian-style features. Unlike the other typical red-brick colored Indo-Saracenic buildings, it is in distinct cream color, thanks to Porbandar stones. 

The Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway Company (M&SM) had its head office in Royapuram. It was shifted to this newly made building keeping its proximity to Central Railway Station in mind. N. Grayson was the chief architect and the brain behind many of the structure's unique features. Samynada (it's British spelling; ideally, it must be Swaminatha) Pillai from Bangalore and H H Wadia & Brothers from Bombay (now Mumbai) were the building contractors.

It is a rectangular building with a central bay containing magnificent bifurcated staircases capped by a dome with stained glass. The two long rectangular wings have open courtyards on both sides. The massive stone columns that resemble the typical Dravidian temple architecture adorn the frontside verandahs. The corridors on the interior are elegantly symmetrical. 

Each rectangular wing is capped with four domes at four corners. And four small mini domes surround each giant dome. 

The central bay is capped with two tall cupolas. Each cupola is supported by twelve small pillars and is topped with bell-shaped roofs.

Post-Indian independence, M&SM merged with Southern Railways. Thus, it became the headquarters of the Southern Railways. The steel gates at the western end main entrance still have the old logos of M&SM. 

The central bay, where the massive staircases are located, houses some exciting things. There is an excellent life-size old painting of Mahatma Gandhi. A metal plaque commemorating the brave officers of M&SM who sacrificed their lives during World War I. A bust of Mahatma Gandhiji and an old bell are other highlights.

Happy travelling.

Visit my site, krishnakumartk.com, to know more about the travel guides and other books that I have written.