The long-standing campaign to protect Prayagraj's historic railway architecture received a significant boost this week. Phulpur Member of Parliament Praveen Patel, alongside heritage advocates, held a crucial high-level meeting with senior Railway Board officials in New Delhi on Monday.
A Crucial Step for 165-Year-Old Heritage
The meeting, held at Rail Bhawan, is seen as a vital move to safeguard the city's 165-year-old railway heritage. This legacy faces increasing threats from ongoing redevelopment projects and potential demolition. The delegation, which included local heritage activist Vaibhav Maini, met with executive director (Public Grievances) Vikas Jain and executive director (Heritage) Aashima Mehrotra.
During the discussions, the group submitted a comprehensive dossier. This document compiled years of correspondence, expert recommendations, and detailed case studies that underscore the immense historical and architectural value of several railway-era structures in Prayagraj. Railway officials assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be examined at the appropriate level.
Sustained Advocacy by Heritage Bodies
This renewed push is the result of persistent advocacy by heritage organisations over several years. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was the first to formally flag the issue, writing to the Railway Board's Heritage Wing and organising local discussions.
Their efforts were later reinforced by international and national bodies, including:
- The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
- The Rail Enthusiasts Society
- The International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage (TICCIH)
These organisations made written representations to both the Railway Board and the Railway Minister. ICOMOS also recommended creating a structured conservation framework specifically for Prayagraj.
Key Proposals for Preservation
Public concern intensified notably after the demolition of the 144-year-old Loco Workshop, an event that drew widespread criticism and media attention. Since 2022, local activists have kept the issue alive through repeated engagements with railway authorities.
The current dialogue centres on four key proposals for the future of Prayagraj's railway heritage:
- Preservation of selected heritage railway quarters located on Nawab Yusuf Road.
- Incorporation of heritage design elements into the façade of any proposed new railway building.
- Revision of the official railway heritage listing to ensure accurate and comprehensive documentation.
- Adaptive reuse of historic structures, such as the old brick chimney, by converting them into public spaces like a museum, tourist centre, or guest house.
The meeting in Delhi marks a pivotal moment in the fight to balance modern development with the preservation of Prayagraj's unique industrial and architectural history. The response from the Railway Board's highest levels will now be closely watched by conservationists and citizens alike.
