Which is the Largest Railway Station of West Bengal? Know About It

West Bengal has a well-connected railway network that plays a major role in transportation. The state has many busy railway stations that severe thousands of passengers every day. Some of these stations are known for their size, modern facilities and historical importance. Among them, one railway station stands out as the largest, handling numerous trains and passengers daily while connecting West Bengal to different parts of India.

An Overview of West Bengal

West Bengal is a state in eastern India, located along the Bay of Bengal. It has a population of nearly 100 million people and covers an area of 88,752 square kilometers. The state shares borders with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, along with Indian states like Bihar, Odisha and Assam. Kolkata is the capital and largest city. The region includes Darjeeling hills, the Ganga Delta and the Sundarbans.

Number of Districts of West Bengal

West Bengal has 23 districts, which are divided into five divisions. Each division is managed by a Divisional Commissioner. These districts help in better administration and development across the state, ensuring smooth governance and public services.

Largest Railway Station of West Bengal

Howrah Railway Station, also known as Howrah Junction, is the largest railway station in West Bengal. It is also the busiest railway station in India and one of the biggest in the world. Located in the city of Howrah, it serves millions of passengers daily. It is also the oldest railway station in India that is still in operation.

History of Howrah Railway Station

The construction of Howrah Station began in 1851 when the East Indian Railway Company planned a railway line from Howrah to Raniganj. The first train from the station ran on 15 August 1854, covering a distance of 37.5 miles to Hooghly. Over time, the station expanded as the demand for rail transport increased.

In 1901, a new station building was designed by British architect Hasley Ricardo. This new structure was opened to the public in 1905. Later, more platforms were added, and the station continued to grow.

Howrah Station Today

Today, Howrah Junction has 22 platforms that handle both long-distance and suburban trains. It serves more than 1 million passengers every day. The station connects West Bengal to all major cities of India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Guwahati.

The station is divided into two sections:

• Terminal 1: Handles Eastern Railway trains.
• Terminal 2: Handles South Eastern Railway trains.

Special Features of Howrah Station

• It has the longest platform in the station, Platform No. 8, which is 961 meters long.
• A railway museum is located near the station, displaying old locomotives and railway history.
• The station received the Indian Green Building Council Silver Rating for being an eco-friendly railway station.
• It was the starting point for India’s first double-decker train and the first Antyodaya Express.