Mumbai's iconic Rajabai Clock Tower reopens after renovation

Two landmark heritage structures in south Mumbai, Mumbai University Library and the Rajabai Clock Tower, reopened on Tuesday after extensive renovations.

Mumbai University Vice Chancellor Rajan Welukar and Tata Consultancy Services CEO N Chandrasekaran were present at an event here this evening to mark the occasion. S Ramadorai, who headed TCS when the company gave over Rs 4 crore grant for the first phase of the restoration project, was also present.

The Rajabai Clock Tower, an iconic 280-ft structure located on the University's Fort campus, was undergoing restoration since October 2013.

Indian Heritage Society, headed by Anita Garware, has been pursuing the restoration project since 1995. It got off the ground when Mumbai University roped in city-based architecture firm Somaya and Kalappa for the project in 2012.

The project needed to adhere to the Ancient Monuments and Architect Act and Ancient Monuments Preservation Act. It got a shot in the arm once TCS pledged the funds.

Along with the Clock Tower, the adjacent building housing the library also went under repairs.

The foundation stone of the Rajabai Tower, modelled on London's Big Ben, was laid in March 1878. The construction was completed in November 1878. Phase one of the restoration - total repairs of these two magnificent heritage buildings - has been completed, while phase two, which involves repairs of the furniture and the electrification, will start soon.