Which is the Largest Railway Station of Chhattisgarh?

Chhattisgarh, a state in central India, has a well-developed railway network that connects it to major cities across the country. The state has several important railway stations that serve thousands of passengers every day. One of these stations stands out as the largest in Chhattisgarh due to its size, facilities and connectivity. This station plays a key role in transportation and is a major hub for travelers.

An Overview of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is a landlocked state in central India and was formed on 1 November 2000 after separating from Madhya Pradesh. It shares borders with seven states and has Raipur as its capital. It is rich in coal, steel and forests, making it an important industrial state. With a population of 30 million, it is one of India’s fastest-growing states, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.

Largest Railway Station of Chhattisgarh

Bilaspur Junction is the largest railway station in Chhattisgarh and an important transport hub. Established in 1889, it serves as the headquarters of the South East Central Railway (SECR). The station has 9 platforms and manages about 340 trains every day. Known for being one of India’s cleanest stations, it also features a large electric locomotive shed, supporting smooth train operations and contributing significantly to passenger and freight transportation across the region and the country.

History of Bilaspur Junction

Bilaspur Junction was built in 1889 when the railway line from Rajnandgaon to Bilaspur was extended. Later, in 1891, the station became a part of the Nagpur-Asansol railway line under Bengal Nagpur Railway. By 1900, it became a key station on the Howrah-Nagpur-Mumbai railway route. The present station building was constructed in 1890.

Electrification of the Station

The electrification of railway lines in and around Bilaspur happened in different phases:

• 1969-70: Rourkela-Bilaspur section was electrified.
• 1976-77: Bilaspur-Nagpur section was electrified.
• 1981: Bilaspur-Katni section got electric trains.

This electrification helped trains run faster and more efficiently.

Headquarter of South East Central Railway

Bilaspur Junction is not just a railway station; it is also the headquarters of the South East Central Railway (SECR). This makes it an important center for railway operations in central India.

Electric Loco Shed at Bilaspur

A new electric loco shed was set up in Bilaspur in 2018. This shed is responsible for maintaining electric locomotives (engines). As of January 2025, the shed houses 240 electric locomotives, mostly WAG-9 type, which are used for both passengers and goods trains.

Achievements of Bilaspur Junction

Bilaspur Junction has achieved several milestones:

• Third-cleanest railway station in India.
• Cleanest zonal headquarters railway station in India (Survey 2015-16).
• Fifth-longest railway platform in India.