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India is home to one of the world’s largest railway networks, with thousands of stations serving millions of passengers every day. The railway system plays a vital role in the country’s transportation infrastructure, connecting urban and rural areas and providing a crucial means of travel for the vast population. Among the hundreds of railway stations, there are a few that stand out due to their sheer size, passenger traffic, facilities, and historical significance. In this article, we will explore the ten biggest railway stations in India, focusing on their size, importance, and role in the country’s railway operations.
1. Howrah Junction, Kolkata
Howrah Junction, located in the city of Kolkata, is the busiest and one of the largest railway stations in India. Serving as the main gateway to Eastern India, Howrah Junction handles over 1,000 trains daily and caters to a massive number of passengers, with estimates of around 1,000,000 passengers passing through its gates every day. The station is strategically important for the East Indian Railway and is also known for its iconic 23 platforms, making it one of the largest railway stations in the world by the number of platforms.
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is one of India’s most famous and busiest railway stations. Located in Mumbai, the station serves as a major terminal for both long-distance and suburban trains. With 18 platforms and serving over 1,000 trains daily, it is one of the most significant railway stations in the country.
3. New Delhi Railway Station, New Delhi
New Delhi Railway Station is one of the busiest railway stations in India and serves as the primary railway station for the national capital, Delhi. With 16 platforms and an average daily passenger count of over 500,000, the station caters to both long-distance trains and suburban services. New Delhi Railway Station is a hub for Indian Railways and is strategically located, with easy access to various parts of the city and the surrounding region.
4. Sealdah Railway Station, Kolkata
Another major station in Kolkata, Sealdah Railway Station is one of the busiest and largest railway stations in India. Sealdah has an impressive 17 platforms, handling a significant number of trains daily, with around 1,000 trains passing through the station. It is a major terminal for trains originating from or passing through Kolkata, especially for routes heading to the north and northeast of the country.
5. Chennai Egmore Railway Station, Chennai
Chennai Egmore is one of the biggest and busiest railway stations in the southern part of India. Located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the station has 10 platforms and serves as a major hub for trains traveling to destinations in South India. It is also a significant point for trains to and from states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
6. Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Mumbai
Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, also known as Kurla Terminus, is another major railway station located in Mumbai. The station primarily handles long-distance trains originating from the western and central parts of India, and it serves as a key terminal for trains traveling to regions like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. With over 1,000 trains passing through the station each day and 12 platforms, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus plays an essential role in the daily functioning of Mumbai’s extensive railway network.
7. Lucknow Junction, Lucknow
Lucknow Junction is one of the largest railway stations in northern India. With 12 platforms and handling around 200 trains daily, the station is a crucial transport hub in the Uttar Pradesh region. It serves as a vital junction for trains traveling between the northern and eastern parts of India. The station has undergone various infrastructure upgrades in recent years to improve facilities and accommodate the growing number of passengers.
8. Patna Junction, Patna
Patna Junction is one of the oldest and busiest railway stations in India. Located in the state capital of Bihar, Patna Junction has 10 platforms and sees thousands of passengers every day. The station is an essential junction for trains traveling to and from eastern India, with connections to cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Varanasi. It also serves as a major terminal for trains traveling to the northeastern region of India. Patna Junction is known for its importance in connecting the state of Bihar to the rest of the country.
9. Bangalore City Railway Station, Bangalore
Bangalore City Railway Station, also known as Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna Railway Station, is one of the largest railway stations in southern India. Located in Bangalore, Karnataka, the station is a major terminal for trains originating from and passing through Bangalore. The station has 10 platforms and handles thousands of passengers each day.
10. Jaipur Junction, Jaipur
Jaipur Junction, located in the capital of Rajasthan, is another major railway station in India. With 12 platforms, it handles a significant number of trains every day, including services to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. Jaipur Junction plays a critical role in the connectivity of Rajasthan with the rest of the country. The station is known for its excellent amenities, including waiting rooms, food courts, and shopping areas. Jaipur’s growing importance as a tourist destination and commercial hub makes its railway station one of the busiest in India, with millions of passengers passing through it annually.
Conclusion
These ten railway stations represent the largest and busiest hubs in India’s extensive railway network. From historical landmarks like Howrah Junction and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to modern hubs like Bangalore City Railway Station, each of these stations plays a vital role in the transportation infrastructure of the country. With the number of passengers and trains increasing every year, these stations continue to evolve, offering better facilities, infrastructure, and services to meet the demands of modern travelers.
