India's railway network is one of the largest in the world, spanning 1,50,368 km and serving as a critical economic link. As of recent data, there are approximately 7,200 to 8,477 railway stations across the country, with Uttar Pradesh having the highest number (over 1,100) and Andaman and Nicobar Islands having none. The network is divided into multiple zones, with the Northern Railway having the most official stations (over 1,000).
Key Railway Stations and Records:
Largest by Platforms/Area: Howrah Junction in Kolkata holds the title with 23 platforms and a vast area, making it the busiest and largest station in India.
Longest Platform: Gorakhpur Junction in Uttar Pradesh has the longest platform in India, measuring 1,366 meters.
Busiest by Passenger Volume: New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) handles over 500,000 passengers daily and generates the highest annual revenue (exceeding ₹500 crore).
Oldest/Most Historic: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, built in 1853/1887, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Victorian-Gothic architecture.
Smallest: Ib Station in Odisha is considered the smallest station with only one platform.
Top 10 Largest Stations by Platforms:
Howrah Junction (Kolkata): 23 platforms
Sealdah Junction (Kolkata): 21 platforms
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Mumbai): 18 platforms
Chennai Central (Chennai): 17 platforms
New Delhi (Delhi): 16 platforms
Ahmedabad Junction (Ahmedabad): 12 platforms
Kharagpur Junction (Kharagpur): 12 platforms
Kanpur Central (Kanpur): 10 platforms
Prayagraj Junction (Prayagraj): 10 platforms
Vijayawada Junction (Vijayawada): 10 platforms