CSMT dome leakage traced to porous stones during Mumbai restoration work
Water leakage has been detected in the iconic dome of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai during ongoing restoration work. The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) traced the seepage to porous stones and ageing masonry joints in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, prompting specialized conservation efforts to address the issue during the ongoing monsoon.
The water seepage was noticed from parts of the historic dome, raising concerns over the ongoing conservation of the heritage building and its office spaces. The RLDA clarified that the leakage was not caused by a single defect. Instead, water has been entering the structure through stone masonry joints and naturally porous stones that have weathered over time.
To resolve the issue without compromising the original character of the landmark, the RLDA has consulted structural experts from the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), conservation specialists, and industry professionals. Conventional waterproofing methods cannot be used on such century-old heritage structures, meaning every repair must preserve the building's historic fabric.
According to the RLDA, the stone joints have already been treated using a traditional conservation technique recommended by the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC). This process involved using a lime-and-jaggery-based grout and gravity grouting.
However, sealing the weathered, porous stones requires specialized treatments that comply with strict heritage conservation norms. To finalize the appropriate methodology and material composition for this task, the RLDA has sought technical inputs from VJTI's structural consultants, domain experts, and conservationists affiliated with the MHCC.
The RLDA confirmed that the task of attending to and rectifying the dome's leakage has been officially entrusted to them. The repair work is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed by August 31, 2026.
The success of these specialized repairs is highly anticipated, as CSMT remains one of Mumbai's most significant architectural landmarks and functions as one of the busiest railway stations in the country.
