Top 5 Oldest Railway Stations of Uttar Pradesh, Know About Them

Railways have been an important part of connecting people and places across India. In Uttar Pradesh, there are railway stations that are over 100 years and still welcome millions of passengers every year. These stations are more than just places to catch a train – they are living reminders of history. They tell the story of how train travel began and how it transformed journeys within the state.

Railway Network of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has a huge railway network that covers almost every part of the state. There are more than 550 railway stations here, making it one of the best-connected states in India.

Some of these railway stations are newly built, while others have a long history dating back to British times, as they were established by the British. In this article, we will learn about the 5 oldest railway stations in Uttar Pradesh.

Out of these, over 230 stations come under the North Central Railway Zone, while more than 170 stations are part of the North Eastern Railway Zone. Every day, many important trains run from these stations to different states, helping millions of passengers travel smoothly.

Top-5 Oldest Railway Stations of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is home to some of India’s oldest railway stations, many dating back to the British era. These historic stations have witnessed the growth of rail travel and still stand as proud symbols of the state’s rich railway heritage.

Here are the names of top-5 oldest railway stations in Uttar Pradesh:

• Prayagraj Railway Station
• Kanpur Central Railway Station
• Agra Fort Railway Station
• Charbagh Railway Station
• Izzatnagar Railway Station

Prayagraj Railway Station

The foundation of Prayagraj Railway Station was laid in 1859, marking the beginning of an important chapter in India’s railway history. In the same year, a train service was started between Prayagraj and Kanpur.

Earlier known as Allahabad Junction, the station was later renamed Prayagraj by the government. Today, it stands as a major railway hub on important routes such as Howrah-Delhi, Howrah-Mumbai and Prayagraj-Mau-Gorakhpur.

This station  has witnessed the transformations of Indian Railways from steam engines to modern high-speed trains, making it a true symbol of heritage and progress.

Kanpur Central Railway Station

Built in the same year as Prayagraj Station, 1859, Kanpur Central Railway Station came into existence from the first train between Prayagraj and Kanpur was introduced.

Interestingly, this first train was loaded with bricks and gravel and ran at a speed of just 10 kilometers per hour. It covers the 180-kilometer distance in nearly 18 hours – a journey that would take only a couple of hours today.

At that time, the train had only 10 coaches, yet it marked the beginning of Kanpur’s long-standing importance as a key railway center in North India.

Agra Fort Railway Station

The Agra Fort Railway Station was established in 1874 and was part of the Rajputana Railway network. During the British period, it served as a vital logistics base for the colonial administration.

This station was unique because it had meter-gauge railway lines, which were different from the standard broad-gauge lines used today. From here, trains connected Agra to Bharatpur in Rajasthan, a route built in 1873 by the Rajputana Railway.

Even today, the station’s architecture reflects its historical significance, and it remains one of the most charming reminders of India’s railway heritage.

Charbagh Railway Station

The construction of Charbagh Railway Station began in 1914 and was completed in 1923. At the time, it cost more than Rs.70 lakh – a huge sum for that era.

Designed by J.H. Horniman, the station’s architecture is special because no matter how many trains are running inside, no noise can be heard outside. Another interesting fact is that the station’s water tanks are cleverly hidden inside its domes, blending perfectly with the building’s majestic design.

Before the station was built, the land belonged to the Sheesh Mahal royal family of Lucknow’s Nawabs. Even today, Charbagh remains one of the most beautiful railway stations in India, combining Mughal, Rajput and Awadhi architectural styles.

Izzatnagar Railway Station

The Izzatnagar Railway Station in Bareilly has its roots in the year 1875, when the British planned to connect the hilly regions of Nainital with the plains. The project was led by Alexander Izzat, a British railway officer.

In honor of his work, the station was originally named Izzat Railway Station. Over time, locals began pronouncing it as Izzatnagar and the name stuck. Interestingly, Alexander’s son and grandson – Lieutenant Colonel W.R. Izzat and Sir J.R. Izzat – also contributed to the station’s development.

This station is not only connected Bareilly to Lucknow but also became a key hub for the expansion of railway lines in the region.