If you live in India, you probably have been to a railway station in the country, right? How big was it, and what was your first impression? Probably, decent! If that’s pretty much the case, well, you should definitely give a shot to the biggest railway stations in the country, and to be honest, there are some big ones that you won’t even believe that they exist right here in India. So, if that’s something you’re intrigued about right now, then just keep on reading this post where we’ll list the top 10 biggest railway stations in India so far. Alright, here we go then.
1. Howrah Junction Railway Station
Sure enough, there is hardly a more famous railway station in India that is as grand as this West Bengal icon: Howrah Junction. Like, established in 1854, the station has a humongous 23 platforms, making it one of the busiest in the country. It has an enormous passenger traffic of more than a million people every day, linking Eastern India with almost every corner of the nation. Keep in mind though, it is not solely with dimensions that Howrah Junction scores, it is, however, rich in history and stands significant as a super important one in Indian Railways.
2. Sealdah Railway Station
You see, the other giant within West Bengal, Sealdah Railway Station, becomes part of the mega system that handles as much as 1.2 million travelers daily across the 21 platforms. This station has proven to be the most crucial transit rail head starting from 1862. With its huge platforms and accurate suburban network, coupled with the Victorian charm of architecture, Sealdah stands as a lifeline for the rest of rural and urban India with Kolkata.
3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
Next on the list, for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is as much a proud heritage landmark as much as it is a major railway hub in Mumbai, and it sure is a grand one down there. This one though, built in 1888, it combines Gothic-style architecture and function and serves approximately 700,000 passengers daily. With this one, there are 18 neat platforms, and this UNESCO World Heritage Site bonds not only Mumbai with the rest of the important cities but also showcases the historical evolution of Indian Railways.
4. Chennai Central Railway Station
If you think like there are no big railway stations in the down south of the country, well, you should reconsider that thought of yours. Why? Well, Chennai Central, in full Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station, aka Tamil Nadu’s portal, was constructed in 1873 and has 17 platforms that convey or manage nearly 550,000 people daily. You know, besides being linked to Southern and Northern India, the station strikes as a beautiful place with a vivid red brick exterior making it not just a functional but a cultural landmark as well.
5. New Delhi Railway Station
Next on the list, you see, New Delhi Station derives its fame from being unmatched in India with regard to the number of trains plying through it, you know? Just so you know though, over 350 trains cram it daily, using all 16 platforms. Opened in 1926, it accommodates more than 500,000 passengers every day and boasts the world’s largest route relay interlocking system. Classically, this station forms a main hub for premium trains like the Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express, and that should give you a good idea of its importance in the Indian rail network.
6. Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station
Coming in at number six is Ahmedabad Junction, you know, the most crucial railway station in Gujarat and in western India. Established in 1863, it has 12 platforms and caters to about 300000 passengers daily. To be honest, in our opinion and with the facts we have, what elevates this station above others is the income it generates-most in Western Railways. Not just that though, it has a hi-tech Wi-Fi connection and cybercafes to offer comfort while people travel.
7. Railway station, Kharagpur Junction
Then, you see, Kharagpur Junction is known in the state of West Bengal for having nearly the largest railway platform in the world, measuring more than 1,072 meters, and that’s just HUGE if you think about it for a sec. Like, established in 1898, this station has 12 platforms and 24 tracks and considers itself one of the most important junctions for South Eastern Railways. Modernized and strategically important, Kharagpur Junction unites Eastern India and Southern India in seamless travel.
8. Kanpur Central Railway Station
You see, once more, in Uttar Pradesh, Kanpur Central is one of the busiest stations in Northern India. It opened up in 1930, has 10 platforms, and handles over 200,000 passengers in a day, those are just the technical details in one go. Distinguished for the largest route relay interlocking system, the third largest in the world, this station is a nerve center for express trains such as Rajdhani and Shatabdi.
9. Prayagraj Junction Railway Station
Next on the list, without a single doubt, Prayagraj Junction, formerly known as Allahabad Junction, is a major junction in Uttar Pradesh. It has been operational since 1859, has 10 platforms; is able to handle nearly 150,000 passengers on a daily basis, and is located on routes such as Howrah-Delhi and Mumbai lines in the state’s populations of North and Central, you know? It is also home to the North Central Railway headquarters, which combines historical significance with modern functionality as of 2024.
10. Vijayawada Junction Railway Station
Last on the list, you see, in Andhra Pradesh, the major station is Vijayawada Junction as far as South India is concerned regarding railway networks. Just so you know though, it was opened in 1888 with 10 platforms and around 200,000 passengers pass through it every day. Famous for being efficient and environment-friendly, claiming a Platinum Rating for sustainable measures, Vijayawada Junction is a super important one on the New Delhi-Chennai and Howrah-Chennai routes.
Conclusion
There you have it. These are by far the biggest and literally huge railway stations in the country. And to be honest, text can’t describe it, once you’re there, only then you’ll realize how big and expansive these railway stations really are. So, next time you’re thinking of a train journey, and one of these stations is nearby, do not miss a chance to visit there.
