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The biggest railway station in India is Howrah Junction (HWH) in West Bengal, which features 23 platforms and massive daily foot traffic. It’s followed by Sealdah, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and others like New Delhi and Chennai Central, which are known for their historic architecture and passenger load. These stations are ranked by platform size, area, and network reach. India has one of the world’s largest and busiest railway networks, with over 23 million daily passengers. Indian Railways operates more than 7,300 stations, making it the fourth-largest network in the world.
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.
Railway stations are vital hubs that connect cities, towns, and rural areas across India. They are more than just boarding points; they serve as gateways for economic activity, tourism, and cultural exchange. Major stations handle lakhs of passengers daily, ensuring smooth travel for millions nationwide. These stations also employ thousands and support local businesses through shops, food stalls, and transport services nearby.
Furthermore, big railway stations act as logistical centers, helping transport goods and boosting trade. An efficient railway network and stations are critical in maintaining national connectivity and growth in a vast country like India.
| 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 |
India’s railway stations differ vastly depending on physical size, platform length, and footfall:
These stations dominate due to size or usage and highlight India’s role in global railway infrastructure.
Hubballi Junction (also known as Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji Hubballi Junction) holds the world record for the longest railway platform, measuring 1,507 meters, officially recognized by Guinness World Records. This platform, part of a yard remodel costing around ₹20 crore, enables the simultaneous dispatch of two trains in different directions
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
Indian Railways is aggressively modernizing key stations to meet increasing demand:
Noteworthy improvements include LED screens, escalators, retiring rooms, green infrastructure, and advanced signalling systems, significantly enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Emerging railway projects promise to transform India’s rail landscape:
These efforts address regional disparities and usher in better mobility and economic development.
Placing India’s stations in a global context helps highlight scale:
This comparison enhances the blog’s international appeal, showing how India stands alongside infrastructural behemoths globally.
Grand Central Terminal in New York City, USA, is the world’s largest railway station by number of platforms (44) and total area (over 48 acres). Opened in 1913, it has 67 tracks and serves hundreds of thousands of commuters daily. Known for its iconic architecture, vast concourse, and celestial ceiling, it’s not just a transportation hub but also a historic and cultural landmark. Grand Central showcases how railway stations can blend efficiency, beauty, and heritage globally.
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.
India’s vast railway network is one of the largest in the world, and its major stations reflect its scale and complexity. From Howrah Junction to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, these massive stations are vital transport hubs, architectural landmarks, and historical symbols. Understanding these top railway stations helps us appreciate their role in connecting people, cities, and the nation.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) in Mumbai is the oldest railway station in India. It opened in 1887 and was initially called Victoria Terminus. 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. 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.
Howrah Junction and New Delhi Railway Station handle India’s highest passenger traffic, with millions of passengers passing each station yearly. Howrah’s location in eastern India and New Delhi’s status as the national capital make them key stations that connect different regions of the country.
Gorakhpur Junction in Uttar Pradesh is the longest railway platform in India, measuring around 1,366 meters.
India’s top 10 by scale include Howrah Junction (23 platforms, ~86 acres), Sealdah (18 platforms), Mumbai CST (18), Chennai Central (17), New Delhi (16), Kanpur Central, Patna Junction, Ahmedabad Junction, Lucknow Charbagh, and Vijayawada Junction—these hubs span large areas, handle heavy footfall, and serve as major transit and regional connectivity centers.
Stations with the longest platforms include Hubballi Junction (~1 507 m), Gorakhpur Junction (~1 366 m), Kollam Junction (~1 180 m), Kharagpur Junction (~1 072 m), Chennai Egmore (~925 m), Pilibhit Junction (~900 m), Bilaspur Junction (~802 m), Jhansi Junction (~770 m), Sonepur Junction (~738 m), and Rayagada (~910 m)
The three longest are Hubballi Junction (1,507 m), Gorakhpur Junction (1,366 m), and Kollam Junction (1,180 m), making India home to three of the world’s longest railway platforms.
Howrah Junction in West Bengal is considered the biggest railway station in India in terms of the number of platforms (23) and passenger traffic. It handles over 1 million passengers daily, making it the busiest.
Authored by, Muskan Gupta
Content Curator
Muskan believes learning should feel like an adventure, not a chore. With years of experience in content creation and strategy, she specializes in educational topics, online earning opportunities, and general knowledge. She enjoys sharing her insights through blogs and articles that inform and inspire her readers. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her hopping between bookstores and bakeries, always in search of her next favorite read or treat.
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