Century-old Chandrapur landmark, Sarai Building, finally gets heritage protection
Chandrapur : Maharashtra govt has finally accorded protected monument status to Chandrapur’s 104-year-old Sarai Building, ending a four-year legal battle over the proposed demolition of the historic structure. The govt informed Nagpur Bench of Bombay high court about the decision through an affidavit filed in the PIL in 2022, brought by citizens Ashok Jairaj Singh and Madhusudan Roongta through advocates Amol Mardikar and Ratna Singh. The state said it had issued an intent notification on April 15, 2025, followed by the final notification on May 22, 2026, under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960. Located along Railway Station Road in Sarai Ward, the building was constructed in 1921 as a charitable rest house for pilgrims visiting the Mahakali temple.
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The high court has now directed the civic body to file an affidavit by the next hearing explaining the steps it proposes to take considering the govt notification, according to the petitioner. Built with contributions from donors, landlords and the govt, it is noted for its colonial architecture, arched verandahs and stone masonry. It is also associated with visits by national leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and Veer Savarkar. The structure was later handed over to Chandrapur Municipal Corporation, which had proposed demolishing it under an Integrated Urban Development Programme to make way for a commercial complex, citing its dilapidated condition. The petitioners challenged the proposed demolition, arguing that the building was an important part of Chandrapur’s cultural heritage. Following the protected status, any alteration, demolition, construction or repair work at the site will require permission from Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. The state govt has also sought disposal of the PIL following the declaration in its affidavit. Download the TOI App.