The Indian government is working hard to make Indian railway stations world-class. Some of these stations have already undergone significant changes and now offer facilities similar to airports.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Maharashtra
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is so beautiful that it has earned the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This railway station, built in the 19th century and formerly known as Victoria Terminus, combines Victorian Gothic and Indian architectural styles in its design.
The station’s building features an impressive 8-star dome that adds to its grandeur. Designed by F.W. Stevens,
it took 10 years to complete and was inaugurated during Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Today, it is recognized as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Royapuram Station, Tamil Nadu
The second station on our list is Royapuram in Tamil Nadu. It was inaugurated in 1856, and the first train from here ran to Wallajah Road on July 1, 1856.
Despite all these years, Royapuram Station remains mostly unchanged. It used to serve the British businessmen and has seen discussions about renovation over the years.
However, in 2016, the Madras High Court put a stop to any alterations to this more than 160-year-old building. That’s why the station looks much the same today.
Howrah Station, West Bengal
Located on the banks of the Hooghly River in Kolkata, Howrah Junction is a blend of Roman and Bengali architecture.
The main entrance of this station is known for its iconic Big Ben clock. It’s such a bustling station that it stretches all the way to the Indian airports.
Howrah Station boasts 23 platforms and is constructed with beautiful red stones. It’s the second oldest railway station in India.
It is estimated that over a million passengers arrive at this station every day.
Charbagh Railway Station, Uttar Pradesh
The construction of Charbagh Railway Station in Lucknow was completed in 1914 with a striking design featuring red and white colors.
The station was designed by J.H. Horniman and has a historic charm reminiscent of Rajasthani architecture from the Mughal era.
Surrounded by grand domes, minarets, and lush gardens, it’s nothing less than a Rajputana palace.
When you look at the plain façade of this station, it resembles a chessboard. What’s unique about this station is that you can stand outside the porch and not hear the trains.
It’s also said that Mahatma Gandhi and India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru held their first private meetings here.
Kacheguda Station, Telangana
The Kacheguda Station, the third-largest railway station in Hyderabad, has been standing for 116 years.
It was built during the Nizam era to establish connectivity with cities like Mumbai. Known as the Godavari Valley Light Railway Station,
it had separate sections for women due to the practice of purdah. This station also houses a railway museum that is quite special.
