Rising majestically near Chennai Central Station stands the Southern Railways Headquarters a testament to architectural brilliance. This isn’t just any office building. It’s a piece of history a grand Indo-Saracenic structure completed in 1921.
Originally built as the Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway Company headquarters it later became the heart of Southern Railways in 1951. The Southern Railways Headquarters wasn’t built overnight. Construction began much earlier. The foundation stone was laid on February 8 1915 by Lord Pentland the then Governor of Madras.
The building’s design is a fusion of classical and Dravidian styles. N Grayson a company architect masterminded this unique structure. H H Wadia and Bros a Porbandar-based contractor completed the building. They used Porbandar stone transported over eight years by sea and rail. The cost was a staggering 3 million rupees.
The Southern Railways Headquarters boasts a central bay flanked by rectangular wings surrounding a lush courtyard. Large windows allow the sea breeze to flow through the building. The building’s four corner domes each house water tanks with a combined capacity of 35000 gallons.
Lady Willingdon wife of the then Governor of Madras inaugurated the Southern Railways Headquarters on December 11 1922. This majestic structure with its tall central towers stands as a symbol of Chennai’s rich railway heritage. It’s more than just an office building. It’s a century-old landmark that still stands strong. The Southern Railways Headquarters continues to serve as a vital hub for railway operations. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Chennai. Its story is a testament to the legacy of the Southern Railways.