Oldest railways stations in India

Indian Railways is undoubtedly one of the largest, oldest, and busiest railway networks in the world, and yet has a well-managed network in itself. Here, we take you to some of the oldest railway stations in the country, which are iconic in their own rights.

Featuring the famous Kalka-Shimla railway line, it’s a small railway station nestled in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Granted the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this station was named after Colonel Barog, and was inaugurated in 1903. Located at the start of a tunnel, this station features Scottish-style roofs, and is a gem of a place for photographers.

Starting operations in 1864, the Old Delhi Railway Station got its makeover to its present form in 1903. Situated near the iconic Chandni Chowk, the structure of this railway station has been inspired by the elements from Red Fort. It’s one of the busy railway stations in Northern India, and serves more than 2 lakh passengers every day.

This is yet another oldest railway station in the county that started its operations in 1854. The Howrah Junction is not only one of the busiest railway stations in India but also in the world. With 23 platforms, and serving more than a million passengers every day, this place will transport you to the 1950s easily. Since more than 600 trains pass through this station every day, it’s one of the important railway stations in the country.

It’s one of the oldest railway stations in India that started operations in 1853. In 1888, it got a make-over in its present form, and is also famed for being the most photographed railway station in the country. Earlier this railway station was known as Victoria Terminus, which even now serves as one of the most magnificent examples of Gothic architecture. It has also managed to find a place in the UNESCO World Heritage list, and is the busiest railway station in Mumbai.

It’s not only the most beautiful, but also one of the oldest Indian railway stations. Built in 1914, this beautiful station features a mix of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture that overlooks the colourful gardens. If reports are to go by, it’s also the place where in 1916, Jawaharlal Nehru first met Mahatma Gandhi. With 9 platforms, it’s also one of the busiest railway stations in Northern India. And interestingly, if you view it from above, it seems like a chess board, where the pillars and domes seem to resemble the pieces of a chess game.