Largest Railway Station in India as of 2024, List of Top-10

Indian Railways, one of the largest railway networks in the world, is home to several massive railway stations. These stations serve as important hub for passengers and cargo, offering modern facilities and extensive connectivity. Below is a look at the largest railway station in India and a list of top-10 stations based on their size, facilities and significance.

India’s Largest Railway Station 2024 in terms of Platforms

The Howrah Junction, established in 1854, identified by the station code HWH, stands as the oldest, most extensive and busiest railway complex in India as of 2023. It falls under the jurisdiction of both the Eastern Railway and the South Eastern Railway, with divisions in Howrah and Kharagpur. Boasting a remarkable 23 platforms and 25 tracks, Howrah Junction is recognized as the largest railway station in India. Renowned for its historical significance and bustling activity, it remains one of the world’s busiest and largest train stations. Serving as one of the six intercity train stations in the Kolkata metropolitan area, alongside Sealdah, Dankuni, Santragachi, Shalimar and Kolkata railway station, Howrah Junction continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s railway network.

Location of Howrah Junction, Largest Railway Station of India

Howrah Junction is located in Howrah, West Bengal, India. It serves as a major railway hub for the Kolkata metropolitan area. The station is easily accessible, connecting numerous cities and regions across the country.

Key Details About India’s Largest Railway Station – Howrah Junction

• Name: Howrah Junction
• Location: Howrah, West Bengal
• Opened: 1854
• Station code: HWH
• Zone: Eastern Railway & South Eastern Railway
• Operated by: Eastern Railway
• Number of Platforms: 23
• Number of tracks: 23
• Number of daily trains: 23

Top-10 Largest Railway Stations of India 2024

Howrah Junction Railway Station, located in West Bengal, stands as the largest railway station of India with the total number of platforms of 23, followed by Sealdah Railway Station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

Here is the list of largest railway station in India 2024:

1. Largest Railway Station in India: Howrah Junction Railway Station

• Opened: 1854
• Station code: HWH
• Zone: Eastern Railway & South Eastern Railway
• Divisions: Howrah & Kharagpur
• Platforms: 23
• Tracks: 25

It is the oldest, largest and busiest railway complex in India as well as one of the busiest and largest train stations in the world. Howrah is one of six intercity train stations serving the Kolkata metropolitan area, the others being Sealdah, Dankuni, Santragachi, Shalimar and Kolkata railway station.

2. Second Largest Railway Station in India: Sealdah Railway Station

• Opened: 1862
• Station Code: SDAH
• Zones: Eastern Railway Zone
• Divisions: Sealdah
• Platforms: 21
• Tracks: 28

Sealdah is the second largest railway station in India and one of India’s major railway terminals serving the city of Kolkata. It is the busiest railway station in India in terms of daily passenger’s footfall with over 1.2 million. It is an important suburban rail terminal.

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

• Opened: 1853
• Rebuilt: 1888
• Station Code: CSMT
• Zones: Central Railway Zone
• Divisions: Mumbai CR
• Platforms: 18
• Divisions: 40 (multiple)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is the third largest railway station of India and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai, India. This terminal was initially named as Victoria Terminus and later renamed after Shivaji, the Maratha Empire founder. In 2017, it became Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.

4. Chennai Central Railway Station

• Opened: 1873
• Station code: MAS
• Zone: Southern Railway Zone
• Divisions: Chennai
• Platforms: 17
• Tracks: 17

Chennai Central, also known as Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station, is a vital railway terminus in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is historic and iconic station, connecting the city to major destinations across India. Renowned for its architectural significance, the station serves as a key hub for both long-distance and suburban services, accommodating approximately 550,000 passengers daily.

5. New Delhi Railway Station

• Opened: 1926
• Station code: NDLS
• Zone: Northern Railway Zone
• Divisions: Delhi
• Platforms: 16
• Tracks: 18

New Delhi Railway Station, situated in the hearts of the Indian capital, serves as a major transportation hub. Originally inaugurated with one platform in 1956, the station has undergone expansions to accommodate its high traffic volume. With 16 platforms, it handles about 235 trains daily and caters to over 2.13 lakh passengers, which can increase to 5-6 lakh during peak seasons. Notably, it holds the world record for the largest route relay interlocking system. It is classified as an NSG-1 station based on commercial importance.

6. Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station

• Station Code: ADI
• Zone: Western Railway Zone
• Divisions: Ahmedabad
• Platforms: 9
• Tracks: 16

Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) is Gujarat’s primary railway hub and one of India’s major stations. As the state’s largest station, it is a pivotal link to key cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Howrah. Serving as Gujarat’s central railway hub, it connects to regions including Saurashtra, Kutch, Vadodara, Surat and more.

7. Kharagpur Junction Railway Station

• Opened: 1898-1899
• Station code: KGP
• Zone: South Eastern Railway Zone
• Divisions: Kharagpur
• Platforms: 12
• Tracks: 24

Kharagpur Junction Railway Station, located in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district, is a vital rail hub. It ranks as the fourth longest station in platform length, following Hubli Junction, Gorakhpur Junction and Kollam Junction. Recognized as an A-1 category station by Indian Railways, it holds significant importance in the region’s rail network.

8. Eighth Largest Railway Station of India – Kanpur Central Railway Station

Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

Opened: 1930

Station code: CNB

Zone: North Central Railway

No. of Platforms: 10

No. of Tracks: 28

Kanpur Central is a major railway station in Kanpur. It is the third busiest in India and has the world’s third-largest interlocking route system. All trains, including premium ones, stop here, making it a vital hub.

9. Prayagraj Junction Railway Station

Location: Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

Opened: 1859

Station Code: PRYJ

No. of Platforms: 10

No. of Tracks: 20

Prayagraj Junction, formerly Allahabad Junction, is a key station in Uttar Pradesh. It lies on major routes like Howrah-Delhi and Mumbai lines and serves as the North Central Railway zone’s headquarters, connecting Prayagraj and nearby regions.

10. Vijayawada Railway Station, India’s Tenth Largest Railway Station

Location: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

Station code: BZA

Opened: 1888

Zone: South Coast Railway Zone

No. of Platforms: 10

No. of Tracks: 24

Vijayawada Junction in Andhra Pradesh is a key railway hub at the Howrah-Chennai and New Delhi-Chennai Junctions. The fourth busiest station in India, it serves 1.4 lakh passengers daily and received a Platinum Rating for environmental efforts in 2023.