Oldest Railway Station in India: 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.

Table of Contents

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

Here is the list of Top 10 Oldest Railway Stations in India

Rank	Name	Location	Built in
1	Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus	Mumbai	1853
2	Howrah Junction	Kolkata	1854
3	Royapuram Railway Station	Chennai	1856
4	Kanpur Central	Uttar Pradesh	1859
5	Allahabad Junction	Uttar Pradesh	1859
6	Vadodara Junction	Gujarat	1861
7	Old Delhi Railway Station	Delhi	1864
8	Madras Central (Chennai Central)	Chennai	1873
9	Agra Fort Railway Station	Uttar Pradesh	1873
10	Jaipur Junction	Jaipur	1875

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 – Royapuram Railway Station

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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.

Kanpur central, Uttar Pradesh (1859)

Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Built in: 1859
Owned By: Indian Railways
Operated by: North Central Railway Zone

Kanpur Central, originally known as Cawnpore Barracks Station, was established in 1859. It serves as a major railway station in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and is operated by the North Central Railways. Kanpur Central is an important junction connecting various parts of Uttar Pradesh with northern and eastern India. The station has undergone several renovations over the years to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic and to modernise its facilities.

Allahabad Junction, Uttar Pradesh (1859)

Location: Allahabad (now Prayagraj)
Built in: 1859
Owned By: Indian Railways
Operated by: North Central Railway Zone

Allahabad Junction, established in 1859, is one of the oldest and busiest railway stations in Uttar Pradesh. Located in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), it serves as a significant transportation hub for pilgrims visiting the Kumbh Mela and other religious events. Operated by North Central Railways, Allahabad Junction connects northern and central India with its multiple platforms and extensive train services. The station’s historical importance and architectural features make it a notable landmark in Allahabad.

Vadodara Junction, Gujarat (1861)

Location: Vadodara, Gujarat
Built in: 1861
Owned By: Indian Railways
Operated by: Western Railways Zone

Vadodara Junction, located in Vadodara, Gujarat, was established in 1861 during the British era. It serves as a crucial railway station in western India, connecting Gujarat with major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. Operated by Western Railways, Vadodara Junction features modern amenities and multiple platforms to handle both passenger and freight trains. The station’s architecture and historical significance add to its charm as a prominent landmark in Vadodara.

Old Delhi railway station, Delhi (1864)

Location: Delhi
Built in: 1864
Owned By: Indian Railways
Operated by: Northern Railways Zone

in 1864, is one of the oldest railway stations in Delhi. Located near the bustling Chandni Chowk area, it serves as a major railway junction in northern India. Operated by Northern Railways, Old Delhi Station connects Delhi with various states in northern India, handling a significant volume of passenger and freight traffic. The station’s historical charm and strategic importance contribute to its status as a landmark in Delhi’s rich cultural heritage.

Also Read: Top 10 Biggest Railway Stations in India (2026 Update)

Madras Central (Chennai Central), Chennai (1873)

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Built in: 1873
Owned By: Indian Railways
Operated by: Southern Railways Zone

Chennai Central, originally known as Madras Central, was established in 1873. It is one of the most prominent and oldest railway stations in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Operated by Southern Railways, Chennai Central serves as a major hub for both long-distance and suburban trains, connecting Chennai with other parts of Tamil Nadu and southern India. The station’s imposing architecture and historical importance contribute to its status as a landmark in Chennai.

Agra Fort Railway station, Uttar Pradesh (1873)

Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Built in: 1873
Owned By: Indian Railways
Operated by: North Central Railways Zone

Agra Fort Railway Station, established in 1873, is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It serves as a primary railway station for tourists visiting the iconic Taj Mahal and other historical monuments in Agra. Operated by North Central Railways, Agra Fort Station features multiple platforms and modern amenities to cater to both domestic and international tourists. The station’s historical significance and strategic location make it a vital part of Agra’s transportation infrastructure.

Jaipur Junction railway station, Jaipur (1875)

Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Built in: 1875
Owned By: Indian Railways

Jaipur Junction Railway Station, located in the heart of Jaipur near Sindhi Camp Bus Terminal and Jaipur Metro Station, connects trains to major cities across India. Established in 1875 at an elevation of 428 metres above sea level, the station embodies the essence of the pink city with its distinctive architecture featuring jaali work, arches, domes, arcades, and intricate stone and mirror craftsmanship. Serving as one of the busiest railway stations in Rajasthan, it accommodates over 40,000 passengers daily.

FAQs

Which is the oldest railway station in India?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus of Mumbai, opened in 1853, holds the distinction of being the oldest railway station in India.

Which is the second oldest railway station in India?

Howrah Railway Station, also known as Howrah Junction, stands as the second oldest surviving railway station complex in India.

Which is the third oldest railway station of India?

Royapuram Railway Station, station code RPM, stands as the third oldest operational railway station in India and the first in South India.

Name the top 5 oldest railway stations in India.

The top 5 oldest railway stations in India are: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Howrah Junction, Roya Puram Railway Station, Kanpur Central, and Vadodara Junction.

Published by: Murali Malalur