Busiest Railway Stations in India: Indian Railways is one of the largest rail networks in the world, connecting millions of passengers daily across the country. With over 8,000 stations, some stand out as the busiest due to their strategic location, historical significance, and massive passenger traffic. In this article, we explore the top 10 busiest railway stations in India, their unique features, and why they are so important to the Indian Railways network.
Table of Contents
List of the Top 10 Busiest Railway Stations in India – 2026
1. Howrah Junction (HWH) – Kolkata, West Bengal
Howrah Junction is the busiest railway station in India, serving over 1 million passengers daily. Located in Kolkata, it is the gateway to Eastern India and connects major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
- Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Daily Traffic: Over 1 million passengers
- Significance: One of the oldest and busiest stations in India, serving as the gateway to Eastern India.
- Key Routes: Connects Kolkata to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
Also Read: Top 10 Biggest Railway Stations in India (2026 Update)
2. New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) – New Delhi
New Delhi Railway Station is the primary rail hub in the capital, handling over 500,000 passengers daily. It is a key station for both suburban and long-distance trains, connecting Delhi to all major cities in India.
- Location: New Delhi
- Daily Traffic: Over 500,000 passengers
- Significance: The primary railway station in the capital, handling a mix of suburban and long-distance trains.
- Key Routes: Connects Delhi to all major cities in India.
3. Kanpur Central (CNB) – Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Kanpur Central is one of the busiest railway stations in North India, with over 400,000 passengers daily. It is a major junction for freight and passenger trains, linking Kanpur to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
- Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Daily Traffic: Over 400,000 passengers
- Significance: A major hub in North India, known for its historical importance and heavy freight traffic.
- Key Routes: Connects Kanpur to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) – Mumbai, Maharashtra
CSMT, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the busiest railway station in Mumbai, handling over 3 million passengers daily. It is a historic landmark and a key hub for trains to Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata.
- Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Daily Traffic: Over 3 million passengers
- Significance: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the busiest station in Mumbai.
- Key Routes: Connects Mumbai to Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata.
Also Read: List of Top 10 Oldest Railway Station in India
5. Chennai Central (MAS) – Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Chennai Central is the gateway to South India, serving over 500,000 passengers daily. Known for its colonial architecture, it connects Chennai to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
- Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Daily Traffic: Over 500,000 passengers
- Significance: The gateway to South India, known for its colonial architecture.
- Key Routes: Connects Chennai to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
6. Patna Junction (PNBE) – Patna, Bihar
Patna Junction is a major railway station in Eastern India, handling over 400,000 passengers daily. It serves as a crucial link between Bihar and cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
- Location: Patna, Bihar
- Daily Traffic: Over 400,000 passengers
- Significance: A major station in Eastern India, serving as a hub for Bihar and neighboring states.
- Key Routes: Connects Patna to Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
7. Secunderabad Junction (SC) – Telangana
Secunderabad Junction is a key railway station in South India, with over 300,000 passengers daily. It connects Telangana to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
- Location: Secunderabad, Telangana
- Daily Traffic: Over 300,000 passengers
- Significance: A key station in South India, connecting Telangana to major cities.
- Key Routes: Connects Secunderabad to Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
8. Sealdah Railway Station (SDAH) – Kolkata, West Bengal
Sealdah Railway Station is one of the busiest stations in Kolkata, serving over 1 million passengers daily. It is a major hub for suburban and long-distance trains to North-East India.
- Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Daily Traffic: Over 1 million passengers
- Significance: A major suburban and long-distance station in Kolkata.
- Key Routes: Connects Kolkata to North-East India and other regions.
9. Vijayawada Junction (BZA) – Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Vijayawada Junction is a crucial railway station in South India, handling over 300,000 passengers daily. It connects Vijayawada to Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
- Location: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
- Daily Traffic: Over 300,000 passengers
- Significance: A crucial junction connecting North and South India.
- Key Routes: Connects Vijayawada to Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
10. Bengaluru City Junction (SBC) – Bengaluru, Karnataka
Bengaluru City Junction is the busiest railway station in South India, serving over 300,000 passengers daily. It connects the IT hub of Bengaluru to Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
- Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Daily Traffic: Over 300,000 passengers
- Significance: The busiest station in South India, serving the IT hub of Bengaluru.
- Key Routes: Connects Bengaluru to Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
Why Are These Stations So Busy?
These stations are among the busiest due to:
- Strategic Location: They connect major cities and regions.
- Population Density: High passenger demand in urban areas.
- Economic Activity: Proximity to commercial hubs and industrial zones.
- Historical Importance: Many stations are decades old and serve as key transit points.
List Of Top 10 Busiest Railway Stations in India
| S.No | Station Names | Footfall |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Howrah Junction (HWH) | Over 1 million |
| 2 | New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) | Over 500,000 |
| 3 | Kanpur Central (CNB) | Over 400,000 |
| 4 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) | Over 3 million |
| 5 | Chennai Central (MAS) | Over 500,000 |
| 6 | Patna Junction (PNBE) | Over 400,000 |
| 7 | Secunderabad Junction (SC) | Over 300,000 |
| 8 | Sealdah Railway Station (SDAH) | Over 1 million |
| 9 | Vijayawada Junction (BZA) | Over 300,000 |
| 10 | Bengaluru City Junction (SBC) | Over 300,000 |
FAQs About India’s Busiest Railway Stations
Q.1 Which is the busiest railway station in India?
Answer: Howrah Junction in Kolkata is considered the busiest railway station in India, handling over 1 million passengers daily.
Q.2 How many passengers travel through New Delhi Railway Station daily?
Answer: New Delhi Railway Station handles over 500,000 passengers daily.
Q.3 What makes Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus unique?
Answer: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic railway stations in India.
Q.4. Which station is the busiest in South India?
Answer: Bengaluru City Junction is the busiest station in South India.
Q.5 How many platforms does Howrah Junction have?
Answer: Howrah Junction has 23 platforms, making it one of the largest stations in India.
Q.6 Which station is known as the gateway to South India?
Answer: Chennai Central is often referred to as the gateway to South India.
Q.7 What is the historical significance of Kanpur Central?
Answer: Kanpur Central played a key role during the British era and remains a major hub in North India.
Q.8 Which station connects Eastern and Northern India?
Answer: Patna Junction is a major station connecting Eastern and Northern India.
Q.9 What is the busiest station in Mumbai?
Answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) is the busiest station in Mumbai.
Q.10 Which station is the busiest in terms of suburban traffic?
Answer: Sealdah Railway Station in Kolkata handles the highest suburban traffic in India.
Conclusion
The top 10 busiest railway stations in India are not just transit points but also symbols of the country’s rich history and connectivity. From Howrah Junction in Kolkata to Bengaluru City Junction in Karnataka, these stations play a vital role in keeping India on the move. Whether you’re a traveler or a railway enthusiast, these stations are a testament to the scale and efficiency of Indian Railways.
Published by: Murali Malalur
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