Oldest Railway Station in India, List of Top-10

India’s railway network is not just a mode of transportation but also a repository of history and culture. As the lifeline of the nation, Indian railways boast a rich heritage, with some of its stations tracing back to the British colonial era. These stations not only signify the advent of modern transportation but also stand as witnesses to India’s journey through time. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the top 10 oldest railway stations in India, each narrating its unique tale of legacy and progress.

India’s Oldest Railway Station

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, formerly Victoria Terminus, stands as India’s oldest railway station. Designed by Frederick William Stevens, its construction began in 1878 and concluded in 1887, commemorating Queen Victoria’s 50-year rule. Renamed to honor Shivaji, the Maratha warrior king, in 1996 and later as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in 2017, it remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With 18 platforms, it serves as a bustling hub for both long-distance and suburban trains, symbolizing Mumbai’s rich history and vibrant present.

Top-10 Oldest Railway Stations in India

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus of Mumbai, opened in 1853, holds the distinction of being the oldest railway station in India, followed by Howrah Junction, and Roya Puram Railway Station.

Here is the list of top-10 oldest railway stations in India:

Oldest Railway Station in India – Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Location: Mumbai

Built in: 1853

Owned By: Indian Railways

Operated by: Central Railway Zone

Platforms: 18

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, formerly Victoria Terminus, stands as India’s oldest railway station. Designed by Frederick William Stevens, it was completed in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s 50-year rule. Renamed in honor of Shivaji in 1996 and again in 2017, it serves as a bustling hub for both long-distance and suburban trains, headquartered by India’s Central Railway.

Second Oldest Train Station of India – Howrah Junction

Location: West Bengal

Built in: 1854

Operated By: Eastern Railways

Station Code: HWH

Platforms: 23

Howrah Railway Station, also known as Howrah Junction, stands as the second oldest surviving railway station complex in India. Located in Howrah, West Bengal, it is the largest and busiest railway complex in India and one of the largest globally. Serving the Kolkata metropolitan area, it is among six intercity train stations, including Sealdah, Dankuni, Santragachi, Shalimar, and Kolkata Railway Station.

India’s Third Oldest Train Station – Roya Puram Railway Station

Location: Chennai

Opened: 1856

Station Code: RPM

Platforms: 4

Royapuram Railway Station, station code RPM, stands as the third oldest operational railway station in India and the first in South India. Serving the Chennai Suburban Railway network, it commenced operations in June 1856. Initially headquarters of the Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway until 1922, Royapuram remains a significant historical landmark as the oldest railway station in the Indian subcontinent.