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India has one of the world’s largest and busiest railway networks, with over 23 million daily passengers. As a result, the country is home to some of the largest and most complex railway stations globally. The top 10 biggest railway station in India are also architectural wonders and cultural landmarks that showcase India’s rich history. Indian Railways operates more than 7,300 stations, making it the fourth-largest network in the world.
The busiest stations handle millions of passengers every year. They offer trains and helpful amenities like food courts, waiting areas, and shopping centres, ensuring passengers have a comfortable experience. Some stations boast the longest platforms, while others are known for the highest number of train arrivals and departures. These stations are key to India’s transport system. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the top 10 biggest railway station in India, highlighting their size, operations, and importance.
| Rank | Railway Station | City | State | Number of Platforms | Year Established |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Howrah Junction | Kolkata | West Bengal | 23 | 1854 |
| 2 | Sealdah Railway Station | Kolkata | West Bengal | 21 | 1869 |
| 3 | Chennai Central Railway Station | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | 17 | 1873 |
| 4 | New Delhi Railway Station | Delhi | Delhi | 16 | 1926 |
| 5 | Mumbai CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) | Mumbai | Maharashtra | 18 | 1887 |
| 6 | Kanpur Central Railway Station | Kanpur | Uttar Pradesh | 10 | 1930 |
| 7 | Patna Junction | Patna | Bihar | 10 | 1862 |
| 8 | Ahmedabad Junction | Ahmedabad | Gujarat | 12 | 1863 |
| 9 | Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | 9 | 1914 |
| 10 | Vijayawada Junction | Vijayawada | Andhra Pradesh | 10 | 1888 |
Source: www.mapsofindia.com
Indian Railways runs one of the world’s largest and most efficient rail networks. Its major stations are key to keeping everything running smoothly. Below are a few impacts:
Economic Impact
Infrastructure Upgrades by Indian Railways
India’s railway stations are more than just transport hubs; they reflect the country’s rich history and vibrant culture. The top 10 largest stations, like Howrah Junction, Sealdah, and Mumbai CST, serve millions of passengers daily and are key to local and long-distance travel. These massive stations feature stunning architecture, modern amenities, and deep historical value.
When you understand the scale of these stations, you get a better sense of how vast India’s rail network is. It plays a significant role in connecting people and regions. Whether it’s the busy platforms of New Delhi Railway Station or the historic charm of Chennai Central, each station tells its own story. These stations are more than places to catch a train; they reflect a country on the move, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who pass through them daily.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) in Mumbai is the oldest railway station in India. It opened in 1887 and was initially called Victoria Terminus. CST’s design shows off the grandeur of the colonial era. Over time, it became a key part of Mumbai’s transport system. It’s a symbol of the city’s rich railway history..
Sealdah Railway Station in Kolkata is considered the largest railway station in India by area. It spans a vast space and handles both suburban and long-distance trains, making it a major hub in Eastern India with significant daily passenger traffic.
Howrah Junction and New Delhi Railway Station handle India’s highest passenger traffic, with millions of passengers passing through each station each year. Howrah’s location in eastern India and New Delhi’s status as the national capital make them key stations, connecting different regions of the country.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) is notable for more than just being a busy railway station. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The station’s stunning Gothic architecture combines Victorian styles with Indian design. Built in the late 1800s, CST represents India’s colonial past.
Yes, Howrah Junction and Howrah Railway Station refer to the same railway station. It is officially known as Howrah Junction (HWH) and is one of the busiest and oldest railway stations in India, located in Kolkata, West Bengal. Some people casually call it “Howrah Railway Station,” but the correct name is Howrah Junction.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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