WR beautifies Mahim station with Heros of Mumbai Murals as a tribute to Corona warriors

During the nationwide lockdown many people had come forward, braved adversity and put their own lives at risk to make sure that we are safe. As an ode to these Corona Warriors, Western Rly in association with ST+ART India Foundation alongwith Asian Paints, has beautified the exterior facade of Mahim railway station with murals titled the ‘Heroes of Mumbai’.

The mural depicts doctors, nurses, police, vegetable sellers, delivery persons and sanitation workers who have worked tirelessly to keep the country ticking, even in such dire circumstances.

According to a press release issued by WR CPRO Ravinder Bhakar, our country witness the grit and courage of various persons belonging to the medical fraternity, police & security forces, railway employees, house -keeping and sanitization workers, vendors selling daily necessities and essential commodities. These all braved against every odd to provide services to the needy and has demonstrated a glaring example in such a time of crisis.

As an expression of gratitude towards these frontline staff, aptly called as the Corona Warriors, W. Rly has beautified the expansive exterior facade of the Mahim railway station with the mural of these real heroes of our country who have stood gallantly to do their best in curbing down this unprecedented calamity. These murals cover the walls at both the entrances of Station, on the Exterior facades of Railway building as well as the exterior Boundary Wall.

Bhakar stated that “The ‘Heroes of Mumbai’ Project at Mahim Station not only enhances the beautification of the station, but also is an unique way of expressing solidarity & gratitude to Covid-19 warriors. We are again proud to associate with Asian Paints & NGO St+art India for this marvelous artwork under the CSR initiatives & look forward to many more such beautification drives across various suburban stations of Western Railway”.

 These art pieces are dedicated to all the frontline workers defending us from onslaught of COVID-19 in the most hostile condition and through our art we would express heartfelt gratitude to all the frontline workers. And now, with the Unlock 1.0 in the underway & Western Railway being the lifeline of Mumbai, this art will play a pivotal role in inspiring people in remembering their hardwork and following the norms like social distancing, hygiene and sanitation.

Bhakar apprised that recently, various important works have been executed at Mahim Rly station, as a special consideration to develop modern amenities at this historical station. Under these works, a 10 meter wide and approx 175 meter in length Foot Over Bridge was constructed by Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation and a 3.6 meter wide skywalk of approx 80 meter length was also constructed, which was connected to MCGM FOB to Rly South FOB by MRVC.

 The Boundary wall of Mahim Station was in a dilapidated condition which was first repaired & then it was given up for painting. Presently, there are total 6 platforms, 4 Foot Over Bridges, 3 booking office counters and one PRS counter at Mahim Rly station.

The mural art has been designed by Gujarat-based street artist Do and was brought to life by maestro Munir Bukhari over the course of 15 days. Set against a colourful background, Do’s monochromatic subjects stand out while everyone is shown engrossed in their respective job.  W.Rly had earlier partnered with St+Art, to come up with the huge colourful mural of Mahatma Gandhi’s mural on the exterior facade of Churchgate Station.

St+art works on art project in public spaces with an aim is to make art accessible to a wider audience by taking it out of the conventional gallery space and embedding it within the cities we live and making art truly democratic and  for all.

Speaking on this occasion, Amit Syngle – MD and CEO, Asian Paints Limited said the ‘Heroes of Mumbai’ project at Mahim junction, is a way to thank the exceptional individuals who have put themselves at great risk in order to protect and serve others during these turbulent times.

Aside from serving as a reminder of their contribution in the fight against this pandemic, the murals also aim to brighten up public spaces with art and social commentary and to create socially relevant public art projects all across the country.