Railways are essential means of transport for the public in India. Every year, Indian Railways helps around 8 billion passengers to reach their destinations. However, the number of passengers dropped in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID pandemic but is increasing again in 2023. To fulfil the demands of passengers, Indian Railways has a vast network of around 7,500 stations. Besides having stations in prominent cities, Indian Railways has established them in remote locations to help passengers.
Railway stations in India have multiple platforms to cater to the needs of passengers. However, some railway stations in India might have only a single platform for trains. In terms of the longest platform, Gorakhpur Railway Station takes the first position. The station boasts a platform length of 4,483 ft, the longest in India. However, the rankings change when it comes to railway stations with the highest number of platforms in India. Let us discuss the railway stations in India with the most platforms.
Howrah Junction (HWH)
With 23 platforms, Howrah Junction (HWH) is the biggest station in the country in terms of number of platforms. It has 23 railway tracks and serves more than 280 trains daily. It is also among the busiest stations in the country, as it caters to the transportation needs of around a million passengers daily. Opened in 1854, HWH has been electrified since 1954. It has been recognised by many organisations for becoming the first green station among metro cities in the country.
Sealdah Railway Station (SDAH)
Sealdah Railway Station (SDAH) is second on this list of the largest railway stations. It has 20 platforms that help more than a million passengers daily for transportation. Approximately 80 trains cross SDAH daily. The platforms of SDAH are categorised into two terminals, the Northern and Southern Terminals. The Northern and Southern Terminal of SDAH has 13 and 7 platforms, respectively. SDAH has been servicing passengers since 1862.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)
With 18 platforms, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai is among the largest railway stations in the country. Besides being a busy railway station, CSMT is also a World Heritage Site, recognised by UNESCO. You will be amazed by the neo-gothic architectural style of CSMT, which is more than a century old. Around 130 trains cross daily from CSMT and serve passengers. Parking spaces, food stalls, toilets, and other facilities are available for passengers at CSMT.
Chennai Central Railway Station (MAS)
Chennai Central Railway Station (MAS) has 17 platforms, divided into two terminals. MAS is also known as Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station in Chennai. The main terminal has 12 platforms used for long-distance trains to/from Chennai. The main terminal includes platforms 1 to 11, with a special platform named 2A. The second platform known as Chennai Suburban Terminal or Moore Market Complex consists of five platforms. It is among the busiest stations in South India, with around 5,50,000 passengers using it daily.
New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS)
New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) has 16 platforms and is among the busiest stations in the country. Located near Connaught Place in New Delhi, NDLS caters to around 235 trains daily. Around 2.13 lakh passengers use NDLS daily for their transportation needs. During peak days, the number of passengers using NDLS in a day can reach 6 lakhs. Besides 16 platforms, NDLS also offers 18 tracks for trains. The entire station complex is vast and has excellent connections with the nearest metro station, taxi stand, and auto stand.
Ahmedabad Junction (ADI)
Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) is one of the highest revenue-generating stations under the Western Railways division. With 12 platforms, ADI is also among the largest Indian stations. With 16 tracks, ADI serves more than 300 trains daily, including trains that pass by. ADI also offers toilets, wheelchair accessibility, elevators, escalators, and other facilities for passengers. A VIP lounge facility is also available on the first platform of ADI for passengers.
Kharagpur Junction Railway Station (KGP)
In the past, Kharagpur Junction Station (KGP) was famous for having the world’s largest platform. As of now, KGP has the fourth longest platform in the world. Serving the city of Kharagpur, the station has 12 platforms. KGP has platforms 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 4, 4A, and 5-8. As many as 256 trains cross KGP every day. The station has 24 tracks and is among the busiest stations in West Bengal and India.
Gorakhpur Junction Railway Station (GKP)
Located in the city of Gorakhpur, Gorakhpur Junction Railway Station (GKP) boasts one of the largest platforms in the world. The station also has 10 platforms and 28 tracks to cater to the needs of passengers. Due to its large number of tracks, GKP handles around 190 trains daily. On peak days, the number of trains can go beyond 400 on GKP. Besides handling a large number of passengers, GKP also is among the highest revenue-generating stations in UP.
Kanpur Central (CNB)
With 10 platforms and 28 tracks, Kanpur Central (CNB) is one of the largest stations in India. Inaugurated in 1930, CNB has been one of the busiest railway stations in India for many years. More than 400 trains cross CNB in a day. It is also among the most profitable Indian railway stations, as it serves many passengers daily.
Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ)
Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ), also known as Allahabad Junction, is among the largest railway stations in India. The station consists of 10 platforms and 20 tracks for passengers. It serves more than 200 weekly unique trains for passengers. Besides providing connections with cities in UP, PRYJ also has excellent connections with cities in other states.
Conclusion
Many railway stations in India have ten or more platforms to meet the demands of ever-increasing passengers. To know more about the routes and options from different railway stations, you can depend on redRail. Not to forget, you can book online train tickets at reasonable rates with redRail. Learn more about your favourite railway station now!