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.
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.
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 Train Stations in India | |||
Rank | Name | Location | Built in |
1. | Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | Mumbai | 1853 |
2. | Howrah Junction | Kolkata | 1854 |
3. | Roya Puram Railway Station | Chennai | 1856 |
4. | Kanpur Central | Uttar Pradesh | 1859 |
5. | Vadodara Junction | Gujarat | 1861 |
6. | Allahabad Junction | Uttar Pradesh | 1859 |
7. | Jhansi Junction | Uttar Pradesh | 1881 |
8. | Madras Central (Chennai Central) | Chennai | 1873 |
9. | Agra Fort Railway Station | Uttar Pradesh | 1873 |
10. | Old Delhi Railway Station | Delhi | 1864 |
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.
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.
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.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus of Mumbai, opened in 1853, holds the distinction of being the oldest railway station in India.
Howrah Railway Station, also known as Howrah Junction, stands as the second oldest surviving railway station complex in India.
Royapuram Railway Station, station code RPM, stands as the third oldest operational railway station in India and the first in South India.
The top-5 oldest railway stations in India are: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Howrah Junction, Roya Puram Railway Station, Kanpur Central, and Vadodara Junction.
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