Railway Board Building
A magnificent colonial-era building in Shimla, showcasing unique iron and steel construction and historical administrative importance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for exterior photos
Railway Board Building
Best Time
Best light for exterior photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent colonial-era building in Shimla, showcasing unique iron and steel construction and historical administrative importance.
"A beautiful edifice even on the outside, so you don’t really need to enter it to admire it."
Admire the Exterior
You can't go inside, but the building's facade is a must-see! :camerawithflash:
Learn its History
Read the plaque to discover its fascinating construction story. :scroll:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Colonial Architecture
Admire the striking red-and-cream facade and intricate colonial design of this historic building.
Historical Plaque
Read about the building's construction history and its original purpose from the informative plaque outside.
Iron and Steel Structure
Appreciate the robust, early use of iron and steel in its construction, a marvel of its time.
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Planning Your Visit
Admire from the Outside
Understand Its Historical Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Admire the Exterior
You can't go inside, but the building's facade is a must-see! :camerawithflash:
Learn its History
Read the plaque to discover its fascinating construction story. :scroll:
Great Photo Spot
Perfect for capturing Shimla's colonial charm. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
Admire the Exterior
You can't go inside, but the building's facade is a must-see! :camerawithflash:
Learn its History
Read the plaque to discover its fascinating construction story. :scroll:
Great Photo Spot
Perfect for capturing Shimla's colonial charm. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors admire the Railway Board Building for its beautiful colonial architecture and historical significance, noting its impressive iron and steel construction. While entry is restricted as it houses government offices, its exterior is considered a must-see landmark in Shimla.
"The Railway Board Building stands as a symbol of Indian Railways' legacy, blending functional design with administrative efficiency. Its central location and well-organized offices support the vast network’s operations, reflecting a commitment to modern governance and continuous railway advancements."
Krishna Sudarshan
"The beautiful red-and-cream multi-storeyed building known as the Railway Board Building is one of the heritage buildings on the Mall Road. According to a plaque outside, this was constructed in 1896-7, the work being carried out by a Bombay-based construction company. The building replaced some earlier houses, which were demolished to make way for this building which was meant to house various government public works departments as well as the railway board.
The building has been renovated and restored in the recent past, following a fire that destroyed part of it. Even today it houses several government departments and is therefore out of bounds for the general public. It’s a beautiful edifice even on the outside, though, so you don’t really need to enter it to admire it."
Madhulika Liddle
"This distinct building was constructed in 18 96-97 at a cost of about Rs.7.31,00,00 in the unique colonial style Cast iron and steel structure fabricated by the Bombay-based Richardson and crude as firm. Besides this building, the famous Raffles hotel in Singapore is the only such building in South Asia. It houses various central government offices, including regional passport, office, income, tax and CBI. The 25 m tall building has four floors and three basements . It is originally designed to house the office of public works department secretariat."
Blue swift
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Railway Board Building is conveniently located near the Shimla Railway Station and on the way to The Mall Road. You can easily walk there from the station or the main town area. Taxis are also readily available in Shimla to drop you nearby. +1
Parking can be challenging in Shimla, especially near The Mall Road. It's best to rely on walking from the railway station or using local taxis. If you are driving, look for designated parking areas in the town center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Railway Board Building houses various government offices and is generally not open to the public for entry. You can admire its architecture from the outside.
Since you can only view the building from the exterior, there is no entry fee. It's a free landmark to appreciate.
As it's an active government building, there are no specific visiting hours for the public. You can view its exterior at any time during daylight hours.
📸 📸 Photography
Daylight hours offer the best natural light for photographing the building's red-and-cream facade and colonial details. Early morning or late afternoon can provide softer light.
While you can photograph the exterior freely, be mindful of any security personnel or signs indicating restrictions, especially if you are near entrances or windows of the government offices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Buffs
Consider this building as a key piece in understanding Shimla's history as a former summer capital. Its continued use by government departments highlights its enduring importance. While you can't explore its interiors, its imposing exterior tells a story of administrative power and architectural innovation from a bygone era.
Photographers
Aim for daytime visits to get the best natural light. The building's proximity to the railway station and Mall Road makes it an easy addition to your photography itinerary. Look for interesting angles that highlight its grandeur and historical presence.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Colonial Engineering
Originally intended to house various public works departments, it later became home to the Railway Board, symbolizing the administrative importance of railways in British India. The building's design reflects a blend of functional efficiency and aesthetic considerations typical of colonial architecture. Even after renovations following a fire, its historical integrity has been preserved, allowing visitors to appreciate its architectural heritage from the outside.
While the interior is off-limits to the general public, the exterior alone is worth admiring. It stands as a proud reminder of Shimla's past as a summer capital and its role in the development of India's railway network. Its presence near the Shimla Railway Station makes it an easily accessible point of interest for tourists exploring the town.
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