Howrah Jn — Local services in Howrah

Howrah Junction is perhaps the most renowned railway station in India. It represents the epitome of Bengali symbolism and these 7 facts will make you feel more proud of it. If a city has been at the fulcrum of cultural renaissance and political influence, then it is Kolkata. There is no ethnicity or culture which you won't find in The City of Joy. Armenians, Greeks, Persians, French, Portuguese and many others have thrived upon this land, expanded their domain and left long ago leaving behind their legacy for the Kolkatans to cherish. Mostly, the Bay of Bengal has been one of the primary reasons but what assisted mostly in this confluence is the Railway Junction at Howrah. Being the spearhead of transportation in the East since the British, there is so little we know this station. So here we are with 7 amazing facts about the Howrah Junction in Kolkata.

Second Oldest Station

The Howrah junction was established in 1852 but the first locomotive that ran was on June 18, 1853. The first public departure was on August 15, 1854 and it believed that a large number of people came to celebrate the grand opening. However, the current frontal end of the building was established on December 1, 1905, with 15 active platforms. It was from that moment itself, the station saw an increased demand for transportation.

The Busiest Railway Complex In India

Approximately, over 974 trains pass through the platforms of Howrah Junction. Some major trains from all over the country have boarding points from this station. In addition to this, the number of people travelling through Howrah is over 3 million daily. The numbers are huge, isn't it?

Largest Number of Platforms

Initially, it had only 15 platforms and slowly, with the rising demand of trains and the large number of people coming in every day, it was decided that more platforms would be added. So now, Howrah Junction has 23 platforms, all of which run parallel to each other. This makes the station very well-organized and also the largest railway complex in the country.

The Only Station With A Road

One of the most amazing features of Howrah Junction is that there is a road which divides the station into two. So, it is easy for people travelling with a lot of luggage to directly park their vehicle inside the station and directly board the train. There is no commotion as the road is very well maintained by the police.

Oldest Subway In a Station In India

There are many people who travel from Howrah Ferry Ghat; and in order to do so, there is a subway which connects the Junction directly to the Ganga Ghat at Howrah. This subway is the oldest subway in India which links a station to the main road or to a ghat. Perhaps, it is the only one existing in the country for 45 years.

Fairy Queen First Ran From Howrah

The World's oldest steam locomotive still in service, The Fairy Queen first reached Howrah in 1855. During the Rebellion of 1857, it was used to transport armaments and livestock to the provinces of Bihar from Raigunj. It continued to be operated from Howrah Junction till 1909 after which it was set up on a pedestal outside the junction for 34 years. Fairy Queen has her name in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the only operative locomotive steam engine in the world, till date.

First Double-Decker Train:

Did you know that India's first Double-Decker train ran from Howrah to Dhanbad? Yeah, it is a moment of pride. The double-decker train still continues to operate between Howrah Junction in West Bengal to Dhanbad Junction in Bihar. It first ran on October 2011 and is completely air-conditioned with all facilities available on-board for passengers to be...

The Subaqueous Gateway: Howrah Metro Station ​The Howrah Metro Station in Kolkata stands not merely as a transit point, but as a monument to modern Indian engineering and urban connectivity. Nestled deep beneath one of the country's busiest railway terminals, the station is a vital artery of the Kolkata Metro's Green Line (Line 2) and a transformative force in the daily lives of millions. Its significance transcends its function as a travel hub, resting firmly on two record-breaking distinctions: being the deepest metro station in India and serving as the western gateway to India's first under-river metro tunnel. ​At a depth of approximately 30 to 35 meters (around 100 to 112 feet), the sheer scale of the Howrah Metro Station is immediately impressive. This profound depth, necessitated by the alignment required for the tunnels to successfully pass beneath the mighty Hooghly River, involved an enormous feat of deep excavation and structural engineering. The station complex, built beneath the old and new Howrah railway station complexes, is a multi-level structure designed to handle a staggering expected daily footfall. Its thoughtful design incorporates multiple concourses, escalators, elevators, and wide platforms, all geared towards facilitating seamless, barrier-free access for the massive influx of commuters transferring between the metro and the vast network of suburban and long-distance trains at the overground terminal. ​However, the station's most celebrated feature is its role in the pioneering under-river journey. Traveling east from Howrah, the metro train enters the twin tunnels that plunge below the Hooghly River to connect with Mahakaran Station on the Kolkata side. This 520-meter stretch is a breathtaking demonstration of technological prowess, allowing passengers to traverse the riverbed in less than a minute. The tunnels themselves are often illuminated with special blue lighting, designed to give commuters the unique, immersive experience of traveling beneath a major river, turning a routine commute into a brief moment of wonder. ​The Howrah Metro Station is a crucial element in Kolkata's vision for a modern, efficient, and interconnected transportation network. By linking the Howrah Maidan area with the central business district at Esplanade and eventually the IT hub of Salt Lake Sector V, the Green Line, through this station, drastically cuts down travel time and alleviates road congestion. It successfully integrates the city's two most critical transport nodes—Howrah Station and Sealdah Station—a long-cherished ambition for urban planners. ​In conclusion, the Howrah Metro Station is a symbol of progress and a cornerstone of Kolkata’s evolving landscape. It is a technological marvel that sets a new benchmark for infrastructure development in India. More than its imposing depth or its under-river connection, the station represents the successful bridging of geographical barriers, offering an efficient, modern, and inspiring transit experience that is reshaping the urban rhythm of the twin cities of...

I recently had the pleasure of traveling through Howrah Railway Station, and I must say, my experience was nothing short of excellent. As one of the busiest and oldest railway stations in India, Howrah Station truly lives up to its reputation.

Infrastructure and Facilities The station boasts impressive infrastructure, with a well-organized layout that makes navigation easy even during peak hours. The platforms are clean, spacious, and well-maintained. Signages are clear and helpful, guiding passengers effortlessly to their respective platforms, exits, and amenities.

Passenger Amenities Howrah Station offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable journey. The waiting areas are equipped with ample seating, and there are clean restrooms and drinking water facilities available. The station also has numerous food stalls and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Connectivity and Accessibility One of the standout features of Howrah Station is its excellent connectivity. It serves as a major hub, connecting passengers to various parts of the country. The availability of local transport options like taxis, buses, and ferries right outside the station further enhances its accessibility. Additionally, the station is equipped with facilities for differently-abled passengers, including ramps and dedicated help desks.

Service Efficiency The efficiency of the railway services at Howrah Station is commendable. Trains are generally punctual, and the boarding process is well-managed by the staff. The information desks are staffed with friendly and knowledgeable personnel who are always ready to assist with any queries.

Safety and Security Safety and security are top priorities at Howrah Station. The presence of numerous CCTV cameras and regular patrolling by railway police ensures a safe environment for all passengers. The station's crowd management, especially during peak times and festive seasons, is highly effective, contributing to a smooth and secure travel experience.

Overall Experience Overall, Howrah Railway Station offers an outstanding travel experience. Its blend of historical charm and modern amenities makes it a top choice for travelers. Whether you're a daily commuter or a long-distance traveler, Howrah Station's commitment to passenger comfort and service excellence is truly impressive. I highly recommend using Howrah Railway Station for your...