Top 10 Biggest Railway Stations in India 2024

Biggest Railway Stations in India – 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.

Top 10 Biggest Railway Stations in India 2023

Which is the Biggest Railway Station in India?

The biggest railway station in India is Howrah Junction (station code: HWH). It’s located in Howrah, West Bengal, and holds the record for both the largest total area and the most number of platforms (23) in the country. It’s also one of the busiest railway stations in the world, handling over 1.2 million passengers daily.

In this article, we will discuss the list of the top 10 biggest and busiest railway stations in India and their notable features.

1. Largest Railway Stations in India: Howrah Junction Railway Station (HWH)

Howrah Junction Railway Station (HWH) is a big deal in India’s train world. It’s one of the largest railway stations in the country and has been around for a long time, making it the oldest and busiest. Think of it like a huge connecting point that links different places across India by train. It’s right in the middle of the lively Kolkata city area and shares the spotlight with other important train stations like Sealdah, Dankuni, Santragachi, Shalimar, and Kolkata railway station. Howrah Junction is like the beating heart of the Indian train system, connecting places and keeping things moving smoothly.

• Name: Howrah Junction Railway Station
• Station Code: HWN
• Location: Howrah, West Bengal, India
• Opened: 1852 (First public departure: August 15, 1854)
• Size: Largest railway station in India
• Platforms: 23 (largest number in India)
• Tracks: 26
• Passenger Volume: Over 1 million daily
• Significance:
  • Oldest railway station in India
  • One of the busiest railway stations in India
  • First Double-Decker train of India ran from Howrah to Dhanbad in 2011
• Facilities: Parking, food stalls, booking counters, waiting rooms, washrooms

2. Second Largest Railway Station in India: Sealdah Railway Station (SDAH)

Sealdah Railway Station, often abbreviated as SDAH, proudly holds the title of the second-largest railway station in India. Spread across a massive expanse, it encompasses numerous platforms and an extensive network of tracks, solidifying its role as a critical transportation hub. Sealdah is a pivotal station situated in the vibrant city of Kolkata. With its colossal infrastructure, it efficiently manages a substantial volume of trains daily. The station is a key player in connecting urban and suburban areas, playing a vital role in Kolkata’s commuter network.

• Name: Sealdah Railway Station
• Station Code: SDAH
• Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
• Opened: 1869
• Size: One of the largest railway stations in India
• Platforms: 21 (total, across 3 terminals)
• Tracks: 27
• Passenger Volume: Over 1.8 million daily
• Significance:
  • Major gateway to Kolkata
  • Largest suburban rail terminal in Eastern India
  • Historical significance dating back to 1869
  • Integrated with Kolkata Metro
  • Important landmark in Kolkata’s culture
• Amenities: Waiting rooms, retiring rooms, luggage facilities, food stalls, booking counters, executive lounge
• Future plans: Kolkata Metro Line 2 integration

Sealdah Railway Station plays a vital role in Kolkata’s transportation network and is a fascinating landmark with a rich history.

3. Third Largest Railway Station in India: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), snatching the bronze medal for size, isn’t just a station; it’s a piece of history. Built in 1888, it’s like a living museum that witnessed the British Raj era and saw Mumbai transform. Spread over 2.85 acres, CST is a behemoth. With 18 platforms, it juggles around 1,000 trains daily. That’s like a mini city on the move, bustling with energy.

• Name: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
• Station Code: CSTM
• Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Opened: 1887
• World Heritage Site: Declared by UNESCO in 2004
• Architect: Frederick William Stevens
• Style: Italian Gothic
• Significance:
  • Historical landmark with architectural beauty
  • Headquarters of Central Railway
  • One of the busiest railway stations in India
  • Connects Mumbai to major cities across the country
• Passenger Volume: Over 3 million daily
• Platforms: 18 (11 for long-distance trains, 7 for suburban trains)
• Facilities: Waiting rooms, washrooms, phone booths, cafeteria, bookshop, restaurants, ATM, dairy shop, CCTV cameras
• Renamed:
  • Victoria Terminus (1887-1996)
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (1996-2017)
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (2017-present)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a remarkable example of historical architecture and a vital transportation hub in Mumbai. Its rich history, stunning design, and bustling atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone visiting the city.

4. Chennai Central Railway Station (MAS)

Chennai Central isn’t just a station; it’s a landmark. As one of the busiest railway stations in South India, it handles a whopping 400,000 passengers daily. With around 200 trains passing through daily, it links you to major cities across India. North, south, east, west. Built-in 1873, it’s a Victorian-era beauty.

• Name: Chennai Central Railway Station (formerly Madras Central)
• Station Code: MAS
• Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
• Opened: 1873
• Significance:
  • Main railway station in Chennai
  • Busiest railway station in South India
  • Connects Chennai to major cities across India
  • Historical landmark and popular tourist destination
• Passenger Volume: Over 500,000 daily
• Platforms: 17
• Area: Approximately 1 km long
• Architect: George Harding
• Renamed:
  • Madras Central (1873-1996)
  • Chennai Central (1996-2019)
  • Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station (2019-present)
• Facilities: Restaurants, internet, accommodation facilities, waiting halls, shopping mall, and more

Chennai Central Railway Station is a vital transit hub for South India and a testament to the city’s historical and architectural heritage. Its efficient operations, impressive infrastructure, and diverse amenities make it a major point of interest for tourists and travelers alike.

5. New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS)

New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) is a major player in the country’s railway scene, serving as a pivotal hub for travelers heading in and out of the city. With ongoing modernization efforts, the station boasts improved facilities, Wi-Fi, and other amenities that cater to the needs of the modern traveler. Being a major railway station, NDLS provides excellent connectivity. You can easily hop onto the Delhi Metro or grab a cab just outside the station.

• Name: New Delhi Railway Station
• Station Code: NDLS
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Opened: 1926
• Significance:
  • Main railway station of Delhi
  • Major hub for trains traveling east and south
  • Origin point and terminus for many Rajdhani Express trains
  • Important landmark in Delhi
• Passenger Volume: Over 500,000 daily
• Platforms: 16
• Tracks: 18
• Facilities: Executive lounge, waiting rooms, toilets, retiring rooms, Delhi Metro connectivity, CCTV cameras
• Historical Significance: Opened during British Raj and reflects architectural styles of that period

New Delhi Railway Station serves as a vital gateway to the capital city and plays a crucial role in the country’s transportation network. Its impressive infrastructure, extensive connectivity, and efficient operations make it a significant landmark in Delhi.

List of Top 10 Biggest Railway Stations in India               

Here is the list of top 10 biggest and busiest railway stations in India in terms of total area and number of platforms in the table below:

1. Howrah Junction Railway Station (HWH): 23 platforms, 86.63 acres
2. Sealdah Railway Station (SDAH): 18 platforms, 66.24 acres
3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST): 18 platforms, 29.5 hectares (72.9 acres)
4. Chennai Central Railway Station (MAS): 17 platforms, 17.4 hectares (43 acres)
5. New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS): 16 platforms, 32.8 hectares (81 acres)
6. Gorakhpur Junction Railway Station (GKP): 13 platforms, 113.6 hectares (280.7 acres)
7. Allahabad Junction Railway Station (ALD): 12 platforms, 93.1 hectares (230 acres)
8. Patna Junction Railway Station (PNBE): 10 platforms, 55.7 hectares (137.7 acres)
9. Vijayawada Junction Railway Station (BZA): 10 platforms, 87.4 hectares (215.9 acres)
10. Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station (LKO): 10 platforms, 27.5 hectares (68 acres)

Facts about the Largest Railway Stations in India

Each of the top railway stations in the ranked list above contribute to the country’s extensive rail connectivity and heritage.

• Howrah Junction in Kolkata, West Bengal is one of the oldest and largest railway stations, while New Delhi Railway Station serves as a major transportation hub.
• Kanpur Central in Uttar Pradesh, Sealdah in Kolkata, and Chennai Central in Tamil Nadu also rank among the busiest stations, facilitating the movement of millions of passengers.
• The historic Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Allahabad Junction in Uttar Pradesh, Patna Junction in Bihar, Vijayawada Junction in Andhra Pradesh, and Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh complete the list of India’s top 10 biggest railway stations.

Conclusion

Since more people use the trains every year, the Indian government has constructed longer and larger train stations to meet the growing demand. One can find a variety of services and amenities for passengers, including ticketing services, restrooms, refreshment stalls, waiting rooms, ATMs, and Wi-Fi access, in the India’s biggest and busiest railway stations listed and ranked above. They also have including specific places for senior persons, the physically challenged, and expectant mothers.

Biggest Railway Stations in India – FAQs

1. Which is the biggest railway station in India?

Howrah Junction Railway Station is the biggest railway station in India. Station is located in Kolkata, West Bengal.

2. Which is the second biggest railway station in India?

Sealdah Railway Station in Kolkata is the second biggest railway station in India.

3. Which is the biggest railway station in South India?

Chennai Central Railway Station is the biggest railway station in South India.

4. Which train station has the highest number of platforms in India?

Howrah Junction Railway Station has the highest number of platforms in India. It has 23 platforms and 26 tracks.

5. Which is the busiest railway station in India?

Howrah Junction is one the busiest railway station in India.

6. Which is the busiest railway station in south India?

Chennai Central Railway Station is the busiest railway station in south India.