Howrah Junction railway station (station code: HWH), commonly known as Howrah Station, is one of India’s most iconic and busiest railway hubs. Located in Howrah, West Bengal, it serves as a vital gateway to Kolkata and is the oldest surviving railway complex in India.Wikipedia+1India Rail Info+1India Rail Info+2Wikipedia+2India Rail Info+2
🏛️ Historical Significance
Established in 1854, Howrah Station is the oldest and largest existing railway station in India. The current station building, designed by British architect Halsey Ricardo, was inaugurated in 1905. Over the years, the station has witnessed significant milestones, including the departure of India’s first Rajdhani Express to New Delhi on March 3, 1969. WikipediaWikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
🚉 Infrastructure & Layout
- Platforms: 23 platforms divided into two terminals.
- Terminal 1: Platforms 1 to 15, serving Eastern Railway’s local and long-distance trains.
- Terminal 2: Platforms 16 to 23, catering to South Eastern Railway’s long-distance services.
- Tracks: 25 tracks facilitate the movement of numerous trains daily.
- Gates: 4 main entry and exit points.
- Parking: Two parking complexes with charges of ₹200 (old) and ₹150 (new) for two hours. Railway Traveller+3redBus+3India Rail Info+3Railway Traveller
🚆 Operations & Connectivity
Handling over 600 trains and approximately 3 million passengers daily, Howrah Station is a critical node in India’s railway network. It offers direct connectivity to major cities across the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. venturevista.club
🛠️ Facilities & Amenities
The station is equipped with various passenger amenities:
- Waiting Rooms: Comfortable waiting areas for passengers.
- Food Stalls: A variety of eateries and food vendors.
- ATMs: Banking facilities for travelers.
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the station premises.
- Left Luggage Services: Secure storage options for baggage. India Rail Info
🏙️ Location & Accessibility
Situated on the western bank of the Hooghly River, Howrah Station is directly connected to Kolkata via the iconic Howrah Bridge. It is approximately 17 kilometers from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, making it accessible for both domestic and international travelers. redBus
📍 Nearby Attractions
- Howrah Bridge: A cantilever bridge connecting Howrah and Kolkata.
- Belur Math: Headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, located nearby.
- Indian Museum: One of the oldest museums in India, situated in Kolkata.