14 August 2025, Mumbai: Neeraj Gupta’s striking sculpture "Spirit Lines," created for the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, powerfully celebrates the city’s identity—its relentless energy, deep-rooted culture, and the spirit of connectivity that unites its people.
The sculpture was inaugurated by Ashwini Bhide, a senior IAS officer, former managing director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, and principal secretary to the chief minister of Maharashtra.
Gupta's work not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the metro stations but also serves as a symbol of connectivity and unity among the diverse communities of Mumbai.
Designed specifically for one of the busiest transit systems in the world, the sculpture transcends mere ornamentation to serve as a symbol of functional beauty, cultural richness, and engineering brilliance.
Neeraj Gupta, an Indian sculpture artist and founder and president of the Delhi Art Society, is also a member of the Royal Society of Sculptors in the United Kingdom.
Gupta stated, "At its core, the sculpture features curved parallel lines rendered in bold, black pipe-like forms. These striking lines are more than just aesthetic elements—they symbolize interconnectivity, echoing the complex network of the Mumbai Metro and the interconnected lives of the millions who traverse the city daily." He added, "The forms resemble tunnels carved through basalt rock, a material that defines Mumbai’s geological landscape. By blending functional design with cultural resonance, 'Spirit Lines' stands not only as a public artwork but also as a monument to the Spirit of Mumbai—resilient, collaborative, and ever-moving. It celebrates the city’s engineering marvels, its people’s interconnected journeys, and its relentless forward motion. The sculpture invites public interaction, reflection, and pride, making art an accessible and meaningful part of daily life."
This visual metaphor pays homage to the human endeavor and engineering innovation that have made the metro—and modern Mumbai—possible. Furthermore, the sculpture reflects the cultural identity of Mumbai, a city where tradition and modernity coexist seamlessly. Its bold lines and industrial finish capture the gritty dynamism of the city, while its fluid, organic curvature mirrors the coastal geography and diverse cultural currents that flow through Mumbai.
