India is the 4th largest rail connection in the world, and railways are India’s backbone and transport lifeline. It encompasses approximately 7,500 stations. Indian railways are the best and cheapest way to travel in India, especially for long distances. In India, many people use Indian railways every year to travel to different places such as cities, towns, and villages. Here is list of top biggest railway stations of India:
1. Howrah Junction, Kolkata
- One of the oldest and busiest railway stations in India, Howrah Junction in Kolkata was established in 1854.
- It boasts 23 platforms and 26 tracks, situated on the west bank of the Hooghly River. Handling over a million passengers and 670 trains daily, it is known for its massive size and connects rail lines from across the country.
- The station has two terminals, Terminal-1 and Terminal-2, and features a railway museum showcasing the heritage of Howrah railway station.
2. Sealdah Junction
- Sealdah Junction, introduced in 1869, is a major railway station in Kolkata and one of the busiest in India.
- With 13 platforms, it served as a tram station before 1978.
- Divided into Sealdah North, Sealdah Main, and Sealdah South, the station caters to diverse train services.
- It has high-class amenities like air-conditioned waiting rooms, free Wi-Fi, and various food facilities, serving around 130,000 outbound passengers daily.
3. Mumbai Central
- Mumbai Central is a major railway station in Mumbai, handling local and long-distance trains, including the iconic Mumbai Rajdhani Express.
- It has five terminals and is divided into eastern and western sections.
- The station serves as a departure point for trains heading to various destinations in northern, western, and northwestern India.
4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Terminus
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, designed by Frederik William Stevens and completed in 1887, is a historic and busy railway station in Mumbai.
- Renamed in 1996 after Chhatrapati Shivaji, it is a landmark and a major hub for various types of trains, including Rajdhani, Duronto, Garib Rath, and Tejas Express.
- The station is known for its grand architecture and cultural significance.
5. New Delhi Railway Station
- New Delhi Railway Station, the main junction for Delhi, is bustling with frequent incoming and outgoing trains.
- Inaugurated in 1956, it has witnessed significant expansion over the years, with 16 platforms as of now.
- The station plays a crucial role in connecting various parts of India and holds records like the world’s largest route relay interlocking system.
6. Chennai Central Railway Station
- Chennai Central is one of the busiest railway stations in South India, serving as a major hub for suburban rails.
- Designed by George Harding, it is a landmark in Chennai and a gateway to South India.
- With 17 platforms and about 200 daily trains, the station provides facilities like internet browsing centers, bookshops, and a shopping mall.
7. Gorakhpur Railway Station
- Gorakhpur Railway Station, a major center for northern Indian railways, boasts the world’s second-longest railway platform.
- Serving over 190 trains daily, especially during festivals, the station generates substantial annual revenue.
- It offers amenities like air-conditioned restrooms, bookshops, and platform decorations.
8. Kanpur Railway Station
- Kanpur Railway Station is a significant junction and the third busiest in India, after Howrah and New Delhi.
- It serves as a major commuter railway station for Kanpur city, with nearly 280 trains passing through.
- The ongoing remodeling and construction focus on enhancing passenger facilities and maintaining cleanliness.
9. Vijayawada Railway Station, Andhra Pradesh
- Vijayawada Railway Station, constructed in 1888, is a major junction connecting Howrah-Chennai and New-Delhi-Chennai routes.
- It is the fourth busiest railway station, handling around 190 express and 170 goods trains daily.
- The station features 10 platforms and is known for its cleanliness and high-tech facilities.
10. Kalyan Railway Station
- Kalyan Railway Station, a major station on Mumbai’s central line, stands at the junction of northeast and southeast lines.
- With seven platforms, it is one of the oldest stations and has been undergoing redevelopment.
- The station serves express trains and plays a vital role in Mumbai’s suburban rail network.