How Many Railway Stations in India? Complete List & Updates

The Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world, covering vast distances across the country. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, it serves millions of passengers daily. If you have ever wondered, “How many railway stations are there in India?”, this article provides a detailed answer, covering different types of railway stations, major junctions, and a complete list of key stations.

Total Number of Railway Stations in India

As of the latest data, India has over 7,300 railway stations spread across its vast geography. These stations are classified based on their size, facilities, and significance in the railway network.

Classification of Railway Stations in India

Railway stations in India are categorized based on factors such as passenger footfall, revenue generation, and connectivity. Below are the primary classifications:

1. A1 and A Category Stations

High-revenue-generating stations.
Located in metropolitan cities and major urban centers.
Example: New Delhi, Mumbai CST, Howrah, Chennai Central.

2. B Category Stations

Important regional stations with significant passenger traffic.
Example: Pune, Lucknow, Patna Junction.

3. C, D, and E Category Stations

Smaller stations serving semi-urban and rural areas.
Have fewer passenger amenities compared to A and B category stations.

4. Halt Stations

Small stops primarily for passenger trains.
Example: Many village-level stations across India.

Major Railway Stations in India

India has several major railway stations that serve as transportation hubs. Below is a list of some of the most important railway stations in India:

Northern Railway Zone

New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS)
Amritsar Junction (ASR)
Lucknow Charbagh (LKO)

Western Railway Zone

Mumbai Central (MMCT)
Ahmedabad Junction (ADI)
Ratlam Junction (RTM)

Eastern Railway Zone

Howrah Junction (HWH)
Sealdah (SDAH)
Patna Junction (PNBE)

Southern Railway Zone

Chennai Central (MAS)
Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC)
Ernakulam Junction (ERS)

Central Railway Zone

Nagpur Junction (NGP)
Bhopal Junction (BPL)
Jhansi Junction (JHS)

Northeast Frontier Railway Zone

Guwahati Junction (GHY)
New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
Dibrugarh (DBRG)

Special Railway Stations in India

Some railway stations hold historical, geographical, or architectural significance:

Oldest Railway Station: Howrah Junction (Established in 1854).
Highest Railway Station: Ghum (West Bengal) at 2,258 meters above sea level.
Longest Railway Platform: Gorakhpur Junction (UP) – 1,366 meters.
Busiest Railway Station: Howrah Junction (Handles over 1,000 trains daily).
Cleanest Railway Station: Jaipur Junction (As per Swachh Bharat rankings).

Importance of Railway Stations in India

Railway stations play a crucial role in:

Connecting remote areas to metropolitan cities.
Boosting trade and economic development.
Facilitating daily commuting for millions.
Supporting tourism and cultural exchange.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many railway stations are there in India?

India has over 7,300 railway stations as per the latest data.

2. Which is the largest railway station in India?

Howrah Junction in West Bengal is the largest in terms of platforms and train traffic.

3. Which is the busiest railway station in India?

Howrah Junction handles the highest number of trains and passengers daily.

4. Which railway station has the longest platform in India?

Gorakhpur Junction in Uttar Pradesh has the longest platform at 1,366 meters.

5. Which is the oldest railway station in India?

Howrah Junction, established in 1854, is the oldest railway station in India.

6. Which is the cleanest railway station in India?

Jaipur Junction was ranked the cleanest railway station in India in recent surveys.

India’s railway stations form the backbone of its vast transportation network, connecting people across states and regions. With over 7,300 stations, Indian Railways continues to expand and modernize to meet the growing demands of passengers. Whether you are a daily commuter or a traveler exploring the country, railway stations play an essential role in ensuring smooth and efficient journeys.

For the latest railway updates and travel information, visit Rail Bus Air Info.