Mumbai local railway stations get an arty makeover

Local railway stations across Mumbai are grabbing the attention of commuters, and are compelling people to stand up and take notice. Two city-based NGOs brought together 25,000 volunteers to turn the dull and lifeless premises of 36 stations into art hubs.

Local railway stations across Mumbai are grabbing the attention of commuters, and are compelling people to stand up and take notice. Two city-based NGOs, Mumbai First and Making A Difference Foundation, brought together 25,000 volunteers to turn the dull and lifeless premises of 36 stations into art hubs.

We hopped in and out of the local trains, travelling from Churchgate to Dahisar on the western line, and from Masjid Bunder to Thane on the central line, to photograph the magnitude of this initiative, titled Hamara Station, Hamari Shaan, and were left awestruck with what we witnessed. Here, we’ve managed to list down some of the best-looking stations that have undergone an arty facelift. Each station is painted based on a theme, and also conveys socially relevant messages.

Station: Andheri
Theme: Urging people to become responsible citizens

The station features paintings with social themes such as water conservation, cleanliness and environmental conservation, among others.

Station: Malad
Theme: Art, music and culture

The paintings of musical instruments and dancers, among other subjects are grabbing the attention of onlookers.

You can see Vile Parle station’s foot overbridge and ticket counters painted around themes such as women’s safety, yoga, art and child labour, among others.

Station: Santacruz
Theme: The mood of the city and Warli art

Station: Dadar
Theme: The flower market in Dadar

Station: Thane
Theme: Wellness and social awareness

The station premises has paintings on women empowerment, cleanliness, yoga and wellness.

Station: Byculla
Theme: Wildlife and environment conservation

As Byculla houses the city zoo, the station has artwork on the environment and wildlife conservation, including paintings of tigers, monkeys, bears, deers, and more.