Diabytes
8 Oldest Railway Stations in India Where Trains Still Run Today: A Historical Journey Of Heritage
Indian Railways (IR), with a legacy spanning over 170 years, boasts a diverse range of both tangible and intangible heritage. India's first railway track was completed in Madras in 1835, and by 1837, industrial trains were running on it. The first passenger train in India ran between Bombay and Thane on April 16, 1853, carrying 400 people across 14 carriages for a 34-kilometer journey. Bombay, now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), is India's oldest railway station. Over its 171-year history, Indian Railways has several stations that are over 150 years old and still operational. Here’s a look at the 8 oldest railway stations in India:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) (1853)
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Originally named Victoria Terminus, CST is India's oldest railway station. Designed by Frederick William Stevens, it was named in honor of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. In 1996, it was renamed to honor Maratha warrior Shivaji, and later in 2017, it became Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. CST is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Mumbai's architectural grandeur and historical significance.
Howrah Junction (1854)
One of India's oldest and busiest railway stations, Howrah Junction in Kolkata, West Bengal, was established in 1854. With 23 platforms, it is a crucial transport hub connecting Kolkata to major cities across India.
Royapuram Railway Station (1856)
Located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Royapuram is the third oldest railway station in India and the oldest in South India, inaugurated in June 1856. Initially the headquarters of the Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway until 1922, it remains a key part of Chennai's suburban railway network.
Kanpur Central (1859)
Formerly known as Kanpur Barrack Station, it is the largest railway station in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Kanpur Central is a vital junction connecting various parts of Uttar Pradesh with northern and eastern India.
Allahabad Junction (1859)
Established in 1859, Allahabad Junction (now Prayagraj Junction) is one of Uttar Pradesh’s oldest and busiest stations. It serves as a significant transport center for pilgrims attending the Kumbh Mela and other religious events.
Vadodara Junction (1861)
Founded in 1861, Vadodara Junction in Gujarat is a key railway station in western India, connecting Gujarat to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. It handles both passenger and freight trains with multiple platforms.
Old Delhi Railway Station (1864)
Established in 1864, Old Delhi Railway Station is one of Delhi's oldest stations. Located near Chandni Chowk, it is a major junction in northern India, connecting the capital to various northern states.
Chennai Central (1873)
Formerly known as Madras Central, Chennai Central was established in 1873. It is one of the most important and oldest railway stations in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, serving both long-distance and suburban trains. Its magnificent architecture and historical significance make it a landmark.
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