Iconic Air India Logo Dismantled at 23-Storey Nariman Point Tower in Mumbai
The iconic 38-by-24-foot red-and-yellow Air India logo was dismantled and removed from the 23-storey Air India Building at Nariman Point earlier this week, marking the end of one of the skyline's most recognised aviation symbols. The operation was carried out over nearly a week by a team of Public Works Department (PWD) workers as the Maharashtra government prepares to repurpose the seafront tower.
A crew of around 8 to 10 PWD personnel carried out the dismantling in stages using safety harnesses, helmets, and scaffolding. The task proved demanding due to strong coastal winds, intermittent rainfall, and the absence of a parapet wall on the building's terrace. The perforated aluminium sheets, originally engineered to let wind pass through and reduce pressure on the structure, were broken down piece by piece.
Once taken down, the structure was divided into roughly 40 pieces and shifted to the 22nd floor of the building. Officials stated that there are no plans to preserve or restore the dismantled logo, pointing to the lightweight nature of the aluminium material and the risk of damage.
The removal follows the formal transfer of the 56-year-old tower to the Maharashtra government for ₹1,601 crore from Air India Assets Holding Limited (AIAHL). Several other airline signs had already been cleared from the property around the time of the transfer.
The state government plans to convert the building into offices to accommodate several departments, and the premises may also host cabinet meetings. Authorities have earmarked approximately ₹181 crore for renovation and repair work across the landmark.
A replacement design for the building's exterior has been commissioned from the Sir J.J. School of Art. Proposals under discussion for the new facade include the Maharashtra state government emblem as well as the Ashoka emblem.
For decades, the Nariman Point building served as a prominent backdrop on Mumbai's coast and featured in several films, having previously also displayed Air India's revolving Centaur logo. With Air India now owned by the Tata Group and headquarters operations shifted elsewhere, the removal of the signage brings an end to the historic airline's physical imprint on the tower.
