India, a land woven together by a vast railway network, boasts some of the most impressive railway stations in the world. Let’s embark on a virtual journey to discover the top 10 biggest railway stations that stand as bustling gateways to the diverse tapestry of this incredible nation.
Here are the Top 10 Biggest Railway Stations in India:
Howrah Junction Railway Station (HWH):
_image source: Wikipedia
Howrah Railway Station, commonly referred to as Howrah Junction, stands as India’s largest and oldest railway station. It was established in 1852. Boasting 26 tracks and 23 parallel platforms, Howrah Junction claims the title of having the most tracks among railway stations.
Additionally, a road bifurcates the station into two symmetrical halves, providing passengers with the convenience of boarding trains after parking their cars directly within the platform.
- Location: Howrah, West Bengal
- No. of platforms: 23
Sealdah Railway Station (SDAH):
_image source: Wikipedia
Sealdah Railway Station, another major rail hub catering to Kolkata, boasts a total of 21 platforms and 27 tracks, commencing operations in 1869. Ranked among the busiest stations in India, it witnesses a daily influx of 1.8 million people.
Functioning not only as a crucial suburban rail hub but also as a metro stop on West Bengal’s Kolkata Metro Line 2, Sealdah is slated to be part of the route for the upcoming completion of Kolkata Metro Line
- Address: Sealdah, Raja Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Station code: SDAH
- Number of platforms: 21
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST):
_image source: Wikipedia
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station, formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station, earned UNESCO recognition in 2004 for its historical significance. Operating as the corporate office for the Central Railway of India, it stands as one of the Western Line’s busiest rail stations. With 18 platforms, this iconic station accommodates over 3 million people daily.
- Station code: CSMT
- Location: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India
- Number of platforms: 18
Chennai Central Railway Station (MAS):
_image source: Wikipedia
Chennai’s main railway station is named Chennai Central, identified by the station code MAS and previously known as Madras Central. Situated in the bustling southern part of India, this station witnesses high levels of activity with over 5 lakh people passing through daily.
Spanning approximately one kilometer, it features 17 platforms and 30 railway tracks, making it a prominent landmark in Chennai. Beyond its local significance, Chennai Central serves as a vital link connecting Tamil Nadu with the northern regions of India, including Kolkata, New Delhi, and Mumbai.
- Location: Kannappar Thidal, Periyamet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Number of platforms: 22 (17 for mainline trains and 5 for suburban trains)
New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS):
_image source: wikipedia
Located in New Delhi, near Paharganj and Ajmeri Gate, the New Delhi railway station serves as the central hub for the Rajdhani Express and is identified by the station code NDLS.
Boasting the “World’s Largest Route Relay Interlocking System,” a distinction that secured its place in the Guinness World Records, this station offers facilities comparable to other major Indian railway stations. With over 400 trains daily and catering to more than 5 lakh passengers, it plays a pivotal role in the country’s rail network.
- Location: Ajmeri Gate, Paharganj, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India
- Number of platforms: 16
Ahmedabad Junction railway station (ADI):
_image source: alamy.com
Ahmedabad Junction stands as one of India’s busiest railway stations and holds the title of being the largest in Gujarat, serving as the primary rail hub for Ahmedabad. Boasting 12 platforms and 16 tracks, it is a key revenue generator for the Western Railways division.
With connections to several important Indian cities, this station plays a pivotal role for trains traveling from the south to the east of India. Offering links to Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Howrah, and other significant cities, Ahmedabad Junction serves as a crucial transportation hub in the region.
- Location: Kalupur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
- Number of platforms: 12
Kharagpur Junction railway station (KGP):
_image source: indiarailinfo.com
Kharagpur Junction railway station (KGP) holds the prestigious A-1 grade status within the Indian Railways network. With an impressive setup of 12 platforms and 24 tracks, this station, often referred to as the Gateway to South Eastern Railway, provides easy connectivity to major cities across India.
Notably, it boasts the third-longest railway platform globally, stretching a remarkable 1,072.5 meters in length.
- Location: Kharagpur, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal 721301, India
- Number of platforms: 7
Kanpur Central Station (CNB):
_image source: wikipedia
Kanpur Central Railway Station serves as the primary train station in the city of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Originally known as the Cawnpore North Barracks station, it was established in 1930. Identified by the station code CNB, it stands as one of India’s busiest train hubs.
With 10 platforms and 14 tracks, the station accommodates a significant daily commuter traffic of over 2.3 million. The previous name of the station was Cawnpore North Barracks. During their journeys, major trains, including the Tejas, Vande Bharat, Rajdhani, and Shatabdi, make brief stops here.
- Location: Nawabganj, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208002, India
- Number of platforms: 10
Allahabad Railway Station (ALD):
_image source: indiarailinfo.com
Within the Prayagraj district lies the Allahabad Jn Railway station, serving as a crucial rail hub in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. With 10 platforms and 16 tracks, it is an integral part of the North Central Railway zone, witnessing daily usage by over 50,000 passengers.
In February 2020, the state government officially changed the station’s name from Allahabad Junction to Prayagraj Junction.
- Location: Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Number of platforms: 12
Vijayawada Junction Railway Station (BZA):
_image source: wikipedia.
Established on May 16, 1956, as a division of Southern Railway, the Vijayawada railway station plays a pivotal role in facilitating travel along the main line connecting New Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Chennai.
Boasting 10 platforms and 16 tracks, it stands out as one of the busiest railway stops in India, witnessing a daily influx of 1.6 lakh people and hosting more than 300 trains passing through this bustling junction.
- Location: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Number of platforms: 10
Conclusion:
These railway stations aren’t just infrastructural giants; they’re living, breathing entities that pulse with the essence of the regions they serve. Whether it’s the grandeur of Delhi or the coastal charm of Chennai, each railway station serves as a gateway to the soul of its city.
The next time you find yourself on an Indian train platform, seize a moment to absorb the history, diversity, and distinctive atmosphere that each of these top 10 biggest railway stations encapsulates.
see also: Top 10 Beautiful Railway Stations in India
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