The colonial era saw several imposing buildings being constructed by the Britishers including the Ripon Buildings, and the Southern Railway headquarters, which still stand the test of times.
Away from the public eye, there are numerous buildings or bungalows in and around the city that are still being inhabited. These are located in various parts of city including in Perambur, Nungambakkam, Integral Coach Factory premises, and Teynampet, where principal heads of the department normally stay.
“No building is being demolished for any purpose,” said a senior official of Southern Railway, in the wake of social media reports claiming that a bungalow of the Southern Railway in Nungambakkam would be demolished.
Few of the bungalows include Cauvery and Bhavani on Haddow’s Road and Rail House, officers’ enclave of Gangotri and Gayathri on Sterling Road. In all these bungalows, heads of the departments including the General Manager, Additional General Manager, Divisional Railway Manager and Principal Chief Engineers reside, officials said.
Though these bungalows are not covered under the Heritage buildings of the Heritage Conservation committee, these buildings are maintained as per the traditional style, officials said.
The bungalows were originally built by the Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway Co. and the South Indian Railway and are now owned and maintained by Southern Railway.
He said all these bungalows where the senior officers stay was maintained properly though some civil issues crop up then and there. However, all these colonial era bungalows are repaired as per the traditional construction practice by engaging contractors who have proper knowledge to maintain these structures.
Published – October 27, 2025 08:15 am IST
