Contemplate for a moment the sheer volume of stories that have begun and ended within these walls. Howrah Junction Railway Station is not just a station. It is a vibrant confluence of history, humanity and relentless motion. As the oldest and largest existing railway station in India, Howrah Station stands as a monumental gateway to Kolkata and a crucial artery connecting West Bengal to the rest of the nation.
Opened on 15 August 1854 with the first public train departing for Hooghly, Howrah Junction Railway Station has grown into the busiest railway complex in India. Imagine nearly two million passengers surging through this station daily. It is one of the busiest and largest train stations in the world.
The station’s history is intertwined with the East Indian Railway Company. In 1849, they signed a contract that set the wheels in motion for this grand terminus. Initial plans faced hurdles. Considerations were made about the feasibility of bridging the Hooghly River. Despite initial reluctance from government authorities to purchase the necessary land, plans for Howrah Station moved forward.
British architect Halsey Ricardo designed the new station. It opened to the public on 1 December 1905. The architecture is a blend of colonial and indigenous styles. Its imposing facade and large dome make it a landmark.
Howrah Station has expanded over the years. In the 1980s, it grew to 15 platforms. By 1992, it boasted 19. In 2009, four more platforms were added. Today, Howrah Station has 22 platforms that handle about 600 passenger trains daily. Ten of these platforms can accommodate trains with over 24 coaches.
From Howrah Station, the inaugural Rajdhani Express departed for New Delhi on 3 March 1969. In October 2011, India’s first double-decker train left for Dhanbad. The Antyodaya Express began its journey to Ernakulam in February 2017.
Howrah Station was awarded the CII-IGBC Silver Rating. This made it the first green railway station among metropolitan cities in India. The station has a Railway Museum nearby. It displays artifacts related to the development of Eastern Railway.
The station is equipped with modern facilities. Free Wi-Fi is available. There is a transit passenger facility with dormitories and rooms. First-class passengers can relax in an air-conditioned area with balcony views of the Kolkata skyline and the Howrah Bridge.
The station connects Kolkata to various parts of India via the Howrah-Delhi, Howrah-Mumbai, Howrah-Chennai and Howrah-Guwahati routes. The Kolkata Metro’s Green Line also serves Howrah Station. The Howrah Metro station is the deepest in India.
As you stand here, take a moment to appreciate Howrah Junction Railway Station. It is not just a transit point. It is a living museum. It is a testament to India’s railway heritage and a symbol of Kolkata’s dynamic spirit.