Largest Railway Station in India: The railway network in India plays a crucial role in the nation’s transportation infrastructure, facilitating the daily transportation of numerous passengers and goods. As the world’s fourth-largest railway system, it encompasses approximately 7,500 stations. This article will delve into India’s most notable railway station, revealing fascinating details about its significance and operations.
India’s Largest Railway Station 2024
The Howrah Junction, established in 1854, identified by the station code HWH, stands as the oldest, most extensive and busiest railway complex in India as of 2024. It falls under the jurisdiction of both the Eastern Railway and the South Eastern Railway, with divisions in Howrah and Kharagpur. Boasting a remarkable 23 platforms and 25 tracks, Howrah Junction is recognized as the largest railway station in India.
Renowned for its historical significance and bustling activity, it remains one of the world’s busiest and largest train stations. Serving as one of the six intercity train stations in the Kolkata metropolitan area, alongside Sealdah, Dankuni, Santragachi, Shalimar and Kolkata railway station, Howrah Junction continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s railway network.
Largest Railway Station in India
Here is the list of largest railway station in India:
1. Largest Railway Station in India: Howrah Junction Railway Station
- Opened: 1854
- Station code: HWH
- Zone: Eastern Railway & South Eastern Railway
- Divisions: Howrah & Kharagpur
- Platforms: 23
- Tracks: 25
It is the oldest, largest and busiest railway complex in India as well as one of the busiest and largest train stations in the world. Howrah is one of six intercity train stations serving the Kolkata metropolitan area, the others being Sealdah, Dankuni, Santragachi, Shalimar and Kolkata railway station.
2. Second Largest Railway Station in India: Sealdah Railway Station
- Opened: 1862
- Station Code: SDAH
- Zones: Eastern Railway Zone
- Divisions: Sealdah
- Platforms: 21
- Tracks: 28
Sealdah is the second largest railway station in India and one of India’s major railway terminals serving the city of Kolkata. It is the busiest railway station in India in terms of daily passenger’s footfall with over 1.2 million. It is an important suburban rail terminal.
3. Third Largest Railway Station in India: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
- Opened: 1853
- Rebuilt: 1888
- Station Code: CSMT
- Zones: Central Railway Zone
- Divisions: Mumbai CR
- Platforms: 18
- Divisions: 40 (multiple)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is the third largest railway station of India and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai, India. This terminal was initially named as Victoria Terminus and later renamed after Shivaji, the Maratha Empire founder. In 2017, it became Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
4. Chennai Central Railway Station
- Opened: 1873
- Station code: MAS
- Zone: Southern Railway Zone
- Divisions: Chennai
- Platforms: 17
- Tracks: 17
Chennai Central, also known as Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station, is a vital railway terminus in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is historic and iconic station, connecting the city to major destinations across India. Renowned for its architectural significance, the station serves as a key hub for both long-distance and suburban services, accommodating approximately 550,000 passengers daily.
5. New Delhi Railway Station
- Opened: 1926
- Station code: NDLS
- Zone: Northern Railway Zone
- Divisions: Delhi
- Platforms: 16
- Tracks: 18
New Delhi Railway Station, situated in the hearts of the Indian capital, serves as a major transportation hub. Originally inaugurated with one platform in 1956, the station has undergone expansions to accommodate its high traffic volume. With 16 platforms, it handles about 235 trains daily and caters to over 2.13 lakh passengers, which can increase to 5-6 lakh during peak seasons. Notably, it holds the world record for the largest route relay interlocking system. It is classified as an NSG-1 station based on commercial importance.
6. Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station
- Station Code: ADI
- Zone: Western Railway Zone
- Divisions: Ahmedabad
- Platforms: 9
- Tracks: 16
Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) is Gujarat’s primary railway hub and one of India’s major stations. As the state’s largest station, it is a pivotal link to key cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Howrah. Serving as Gujarat’s central railway hub, it connects to regions including Saurashtra, Kutch, Vadodara, Surat and more.
7. Kharagpur Junction Railway Station
- Opened: 1898-1899
- Station code: KGP
- Zone: South Eastern Railway Zone
- Divisions: Kharagpur
- Platforms: 12
- Tracks: 24
Kharagpur Junction Railway Station, located in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district, is a vital rail hub. It ranks as the fourth longest station in platform length, following Hubli Junction, Gorakhpur Junction and Kollam Junction. Recognized as an A-1 category station by Indian Railways, it holds significant importance in the region’s rail network.
8. Kanpur Central Railway Station
- Opened: 1930
- Station code: CNB
- Location: Nawabganj, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208002, India
- Number of platforms: 10
- Average crowd/day: 200,000
- Connectivity: Kanpur Central Railway Station is connected to all major cities in India by rail. It is also served by the Kanpur Airport and the Kanpur Bus Terminal.
Kanpur Central Railway Station is the name of the city’s primary train station in Uttar Pradesh. Originally called the Cawnpore North Barracks station it’s one of India’s busiest train hubs. With 10 platforms and 14 tracks, it can accommodate more than 2.3 million commuters each day. During the voyage, all of the major trains, including the Tejas, Vande Bharat, Rajdhani, and Shatabdi, make a brief stop here.
9. Allahabad Railway Station or Prayagraj Junction Station
- Opened: 1876 Station code: ALD
- Location: Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Number of platforms: 12
- Average crowd/day: 150,000
- Connectivity: Allahabad Railway Station is connected to all major cities in India by rail. It is also served by the Allahabad Airport and the Allahabad Bus Terminal.
The Prayagraj district contains the Allahabad Junction Railway station, making it a significant rail hub in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. 10 platforms and 16 tracks are present. It’s a part of the North Central Railway zone and sees daily use from more than 50,000 passengers.
In February 2020, the station’s name was changed from Allahabad Junction to Prayagraj Junction by the state government.
10. Vijayawada Junction Railway Station
- Opened: 1888
- Station code: BZA
- Location: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Number of platforms: 10
- Average crowd/day: 200,000
- Connectivity: Vijayawada Junction Railway Station is connected to all major cities in India by rail. It is also served by the Vijayawada Airport and the Vijayawada Bus Terminal.
- Local Attractions: Kanaka Durga Temple, Undavalli Caves, Prakasam Barrage, Bhavani Island, Victoria Jubilee Museum or Bapu Museum, Kondapalli Fort, Gandhi Hill and ISKCON Vijayawada.
As a division of Southern Railway, it was founded on May 16, 1956. The main line of New Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Chennai is opened by the Vijayawada railway station, making travel easier. The station has 10 platforms and 16 tracks.
It is recognized as one of the busiest railway stops in all of India with 1.6 lakh people and more than 300 trains passing through this junction each day.
Largest Railway Station in India – FAQs
1. Which is the Largest Railway Station in India in Terms of Platforms?
Howrah Junction (HWH) is the largest station in the whole of India in terms of platforms. It has 23 platforms. With 23 railroad tracks, it handles almost 280 trains per day. With around a million passengers using it every day for transportation, it is also one of the busiest stations in the whole country.
2. Which Railway Station has the World’s Longest Railway Platform?
The longest railway station in the world is located in Karnataka and is called Hubli. It is run by the South Western Railways’ Hubli division and is also referred to as Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji – Hubballi Junction. At 1,505 meters, Platform 1 of the Hubbali station is the world’s longest railway platform.
3. Which is the Second Longest Platform in India?
The second-longest platform, spanning 1,366.33 meters, is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh in the city of Gorakhpur. The third-longest platform, measuring 1,180.5 meters, is located at Kollam Junction in Kerala.
4. Which is the Second Largest Railway Station in India?
The Sealdah Railway Station, Kolkata, West Bengal, is India’s 2nd largest railway station in India. It’s a significant suburban train station. Sealdah can be reached by the recently constructed underground Sealdah metro station on Kolkata Metro Line 2.
5. Is Howrah Junction and Howrah Railway Station Same?
Yes, the Howrah Railway Station, which is situated in the Indian state of West Bengal, is sometimes referred to as Howrah Junction or simply Howrah Station.
