Biggest Railway Stations in India: Indian Railways, one of the largest railway networks in the world, is home to several massive railway stations. These stations serve as important hub for passengers and cargo, offering modern facilities and extensive connectivity. Below is a look at the largest railway station in India and a list of top 10 stations based on their size, facilities and significance.

Table of Contents

India’s Largest Railway Station 2026 in terms of Platforms

The Howrah Junction, established in 1854, identified by the station code HWH, stands as the oldest, most extensive and busiest railway complex in India as of 2024. It falls under the jurisdiction of both the Eastern Railway and the South Eastern Railway, with divisions in Howrah and Kharagpur. Boasting a remarkable 23 platforms and 25 tracks, Howrah Junction is recognized as the largest railway station in India.

Renowned for its historical significance and bustling activity, it remains one of the world’s busiest and largest train stations. Serving as one of the six intercity train stations in the Kolkata metropolitan area, alongside Sealdah, Dankuni, Santragachi, Shalimar and Kolkata railway station, Howrah Junction continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s railway network.

Location of Howrah Junction, Largest Railway Station of India

Howrah Junction is located in Howrah, West Bengal, India. It serves as a major railway hub for the Kolkata metropolitan area. The station is easily accessible, connecting numerous cities and regions across the country.

Key Details About India’s Biggest Railway Station – Howrah Junction

Name: Howrah Junction
Location: Howrah, West Bengal
Opened: 1854
Station code: HWH
Zone: Eastern Railway & South Eastern Railway
Operated by: Eastern Railway
Number of Platforms: 23
Number of tracks: 23
Number of daily trains: 23

Top 10 Biggest Railway Stations in India 2026

Here is the list of biggest railway station in India 2026:

Name	No. of Platforms	No. of tracks	No. of daily trains	City	State
Howrah Junction Railway Station	23	23	286	Howrah	West Bengal
Sealdah Railway Station	21	28	78	Kolkata	West Bengal
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus	18	40 (multiple)	130	Mumbai	Maharashtra
Chennai Central Railway Station	17	30	170	Chennai	Tamil Nadu
New Delhi Railway Station	16	18	342	New Delhi	Delhi
Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station	12	16	340	Ahmedabad	Gujarat
Kharagpur Junction Railway Station	12	24	265	Kharagpur	West Bengal
Kanpur Central Railway Station	10	28	–	Kanpur	Uttar Pradesh
Allahabad/ Prayagraj Railway Station	10	20	–	Prayagraj	Uttar Pradesh
Vijayawada Junction Railway Station	10	24	–	Vijayawada	Andhra Pradesh

1. Biggest Railway Station in India: Howrah Junction Railway Station

Opened: 1854
Station code: HWH
Zone: Eastern Railway & South Eastern Railway
Divisions: Howrah & Kharagpur
Platforms: 23
Tracks: 25

It is the oldest, largest and busiest railway complex in India as well as one of the busiest and largest train stations in the world. Howrah is one of six intercity train stations serving the Kolkata metropolitan area, the others being Sealdah, Dankuni, Santragachi, Shalimar and Kolkata railway station.

2. Second Largest Railway Station in India: Sealdah Railway Station

Opened: 1862
Station Code: SDAH
Zones: Eastern Railway Zone
Divisions: Sealdah
Platforms: 21
Tracks: 28

Sealdah is the second largest railway station in India and one of India’s major railway terminals serving the city of Kolkata. It is the busiest railway station in India in terms of daily passenger’s footfall with over 1.2 million. It is an important suburban rail terminal.

Also Read: List of Top 10 Oldest Railway Station in India

3. Third Largest Railway Station in India: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Opened: 1853
Rebuilt: 1888
Station Code: CSMT
Zones: Central Railway Zone
Divisions: Mumbai CR
Platforms: 18
Divisions: 40 (multiple)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is the third largest railway station of India and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai, India. This terminal was initially named as Victoria Terminus and later renamed after Shivaji, the Maratha Empire founder. In 2017, it became Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.

4. Chennai Central Railway Station

Opened: 1873
Station code: MAS
Zone: Southern Railway Zone
Divisions: Chennai
Platforms: 17
Tracks: 17

Chennai Central, also known as Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station, is a vital railway terminus in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is historic and iconic station, connecting the city to major destinations across India. Renowned for its architectural significance, the station serves as a key hub for both long-distance and suburban services, accommodating approximately 550,000 passengers daily.

5. New Delhi Railway Station

Opened: 1926
Station code: NDLS
Zone: Northern Railway Zone
Divisions: Delhi
Platforms: 16
Tracks: 18

New Delhi Railway Station, situated in the hearts of the Indian capital, serves as a major transportation hub. Originally inaugurated with one platform in 1956, the station has undergone expansions to accommodate its high traffic volume. With 16 platforms, it handles about 235 trains daily and caters to over 2.13 lakh passengers, which can increase to 5-6 lakh during peak seasons. Notably, it holds the world record for the largest route relay interlocking system. It is classified as an NSG-1 station based on commercial importance.

6. Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station

Station Code: ADI
Zone: Western Railway Zone
Divisions: Ahmedabad
Platforms: 9
Tracks: 16

Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) is Gujarat’s primary railway hub and one of India’s major stations. As the state’s largest station, it is a pivotal link to key cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Howrah. Serving as Gujarat’s central railway hub, it connects to regions including Saurashtra, Kutch, Vadodara, Surat and more.

7. Kharagpur Junction Railway Station

Opened: 1898-1899
Station code: KGP
Zone: South Eastern Railway Zone
Divisions: Kharagpur
Platforms: 12
Tracks: 24

Kharagpur Junction Railway Station, located in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district, is a vital rail hub. It ranks as the fourth longest station in platform length, following Hubli Junction, Gorakhpur Junction and Kollam Junction. Recognized as an A-1 category station by Indian Railways, it holds significant importance in the region’s rail network.

8. Eighth Largest Railway Station of India – Kanpur Central Railway Station

Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Opened: 1930
Station code: CNB
Zone: North Central Railway
No. of Platforms: 10
No. of Tracks: 28

Kanpur Central is a major railway station in Kanpur. It is the third busiest in India and has the world’s third-largest interlocking route system. All trains, including premium ones, stop here, making it a vital hub.

9. Prayagraj Junction Railway Station

Location: Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Opened: 1859
Station Code: PRYJ
No. of Platforms: 10
No. of Tracks: 20

Prayagraj Junction, formerly Allahabad Junction, is a key station in Uttar Pradesh. It lies on major routes like Howrah-Delhi and Mumbai lines and serves as the North Central Railway zone’s headquarters, connecting Prayagraj and nearby regions.

10. Vijayawada Railway Station, Tenth Largest Railway Station in India

Location: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Station code: BZA
Opened: 1888
Zone: South Coast Railway Zone
No. of Platforms: 10
No. of Tracks: 24

Vijayawada Junction in Andhra Pradesh is a key railway hub at the Howrah-Chennai and New Delhi-Chennai Junctions. The fourth busiest station in India, it serves 1.4 lakh passengers daily and received a Platinum Rating for environmental efforts in 2023.

FAQs

Which is the largest railway station in India?

The largest railway station in India by total area and platforms is Howrah Junction (station code: HWH) located in Howrah, West Bengal.

Which is the second largest railway station in India?

The second largest station in India is Sealdah Railway Station (SDAH) which has total 21 platforms and is located in Kolakata, West Bengal.

What is the other name of Chennai Central Railway Station?

Chennai Central, also known as Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station, is a vital railway terminus in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Published by: Murali Malalur