India’s most historic railway stations

India’s vast railway network is one of the largest in the world, with a history dating back to the 19th century during the colonial era. Many of the country’s oldest railway stations are architectural landmarks that played a crucial role in shaping transport and trade. Here are six of the oldest train stations in India that still stand as symbols of railway heritage. (unsplash)

Allahabad Junction (1859): Now located in Prayagraj, this historic station was an important stop on early railway routes linking northern and eastern India. (wikimedia commons)

Byculla Railway Station (1853): Located in Mumbai, Byculla is one of the oldest railway stations in India and was part of the historic first railway line between Mumbai and Thane inaugurated in 1853. The station still retains elements of its colonial era architecture and remains an important stop on the Mumbai Suburban Railway. (wikimedia commons)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (1887): Located in Mumbai, this iconic station, formerly called Victoria Terminus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its stunning Victorian Gothic architecture makes it one of India’s most famous railway landmarks. (wikimedia commons)

Howrah Junction (1854): Serving the city of Kolkata, Howrah Junction is one of the busiest railway stations in the country. It has been a major gateway to eastern India since the early days of the railways. (wikimedia commons)

Kanpur Central Railway Station (1859): One of the earliest stations in northern India, Kanpur Central played a vital role during the British era in connecting major industrial and military hubs. (wikimedia commons)

Royapuram Railway Station (1856): Located in Chennai, Royapuram Railway Station is the oldest surviving railway station in India. Its colonial-era architecture reflects the early days of railway expansion in South India. (wikimedia commons)