The main and most crowded railway station in Mumbai is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, named so after an Indian national hero. The construction of the station began in 1878 and continued for 10 years, until 1888, although it started its work before the end of the construction in 1882. The principal architect was Frederick William Stevens, a rather well-known in Britain. When designing the station, and a sample was taken of the London station St Pancras. Originally the station was called "Victoria" in honor of the English Queen, but the 4th March 1996 it was renamed.

In the architecture of the building is mixed Victorian and Gothic styles, with a notable and influence of the Indian national culture. Therefore, it is more like a Royal Palace than a railway station. Its walls are adorned with stained glass Windows, carved stone friezes, graceful columns, high arches. Neat turrets are a kind of framing for the Central dome, the top of which is crowned with a statue of a woman symbolizing progress. In one hand she holds a torch and the other with the wheel. The station is decorated with several statues on trade, agriculture, science and technology. The columns of the main gate is decorated with figures of a lion and a tiger, representing the UK and India. The Central part of the station is a courtyard that can be accessed directly from the street. Inside the halls of the station are tiled, decorated with carved wooden panels and wrought iron fencing.

The station serves commuter trains and a few long-distance routes, and only has 18 platforms.

In 1994, the station has received the status of cultural heritage of UNESCO.