THIS is India's largest railway station, has 23 platforms, over 280 trains operate daily; not in Delhi, Mumbai, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, it's located in…, name is…
We are discussing Howrah Junction in West Bengal, the largest railway station in the country, located on the western bank of the Hooghly River, the main railway station of Kolkata city. It has 23 platforms, with more than 600,000 daily passengers, making it the busiest station in India.
Every day, more than 280 trains pass through this station, including major trains, namely, the Rajdhani Express, Duronto Express, and Shatabdi Express. This station is a major connection that links eastern, southern India to the rest of the country.
In 1854, Howrah Junction was formed under British rule, with services commencing fully in 1906, and its building and services have gradually improved over time. Currently, the station sprawls across in excess of 70 acres, with services and amenities that include WiFi, food courts, and waiting rooms.
Despite this, the railway authorities have to continually deal with managing large crowds and traffic in this station. The volume of trains and passengers is very high day in and day out, so congestion is normal in this station.
Recently, the railway has been changing and implementing things such as the number of platforms, and making digital ticket purchasing in advance easier. There are ideas to modernise Howrah Junction further in the next few years, with modern amenities, including a more integrated campus for high-speed rail.
Howrah Junction is an invaluable place in the modern world for travelers as well as for tourists. The station has an unimaginable scale (with interesting features) and has significant historical architecture. The surrounding markets and the natural beauty of the Howrah Bridge make it all the more better.
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Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Cruise comeback: Boats to sail on Sirhind canal in Ludhiana after 140 years
Doraha (Ludhiana): For Ludhiana, this is a deja-vu moment. After over a century, boats will sail down waters of the Sirhind Canal (combined branch). There will be no logs this time though and the boats will ply on a one-kilometre stretch of the canal's Bathinda branch in Ludhiana district. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The initiative, led by the water resources department, marks the revival of navigation on the canal, as was the practice during the British era. The department has awarded a contract to a private party to operate boating services and develop an adjoining amusement park near the old bridge, close to the beginning of the Sidhwan Canal. Executive engineer, water resources department (Ropar division) confirmed the development, saying that the canal stretch identified for boating spans approximately three kilometres, with the activity concentrated in the first kilometre. "This is perhaps the first time since the 1880s that boating will be done in this canal. During the British era, boats were used for transporting wood logs, and the Doraha area even had a dedicated wood log market. This revival is part of Punjab's new tourism policy, which aims at attracting visitors and generating revenue," the officer said. The initiative follows a similar project launched in Ropar around five months ago, which has reportedly received a positive response. Inspired by that success, the Ludhiana district is now preparing to offer a unique recreational experience along the canal. As part of the agreement, the private contractor has been granted a seven-year lease for both the boating area and the land designated for the amusement park. The annual lease fee for each is Rs 10 lakh, with a 10% increase every year. The contractor is also responsible for all development expenses, including landscaping, infrastructure, and safety measures. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Work on the site is progressing rapidly. Landscaping has already been completed along the canal banks, and two boats were spotted parked at the location during a visit by TOI. A private employee working on the project said that three motorboats have been brought in and more may be added in future as there is no cap on the number of boats allowed. "We've made most of the preparations. We're just waiting for final touches on the amusement park. A test run for boating is expected in a day or two," he added. The amusement park will feature fun activities for children, and a restaurant. Trained drivers will operate the motorboats, and safety protocols are being put in place to ensure secure rides for visitors. While local residents have expressed excitement about the upcoming facility, they have also emphasised the importance of safety. SBS Nagar resident Vivek Verma said, "It's great to see boating coming to our canal. But authorities must ensure that safety is given top priority. Life jackets, trained staff, and emergency protocols should be mandatory." In addition to the Doraha project, the water resources department has floated a tender for a similar boating initiative near Neelon Bridge, on the Ludhiana-Chandigarh National Highway. Although the tender has not yet matured, officials are optimistic about expanding boating activities across the region. Another proposal is in the works for the Sidhwan Canal, from Brahman Majra village to the Lohara area. Officials confirmed that private parties will be invited to bid for this project as well, indicating a broader push to integrate canal-based tourism into the district's development plans. The Sirhind Canal, constructed during the British era around 1882, was originally designed for irrigation and played a crucial role in supporting agriculture in Punjab's Malwa region. The revival of boating on this historic waterway is being seen not just as a tourism initiative, but also as a nod to the canal's rich legacy. Payal MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura welcomed the development, stating, "This is the first time after the British era that boating is going to start in the canal. It will be a great source of amusement for people, and the work is progressing at a fast pace." If successful, it could pave the way for similar ventures across Punjab, transforming its historic canals into vibrant hubs of leisure and tourism. A milestone for Ludhiana Unique initiative | Contract awarded to a private party by the water resources department for boating and amusement park development Boating to take place near the Old Bridge, close to the start of the Sidhwan Canal Historical revival | Boats were last used in the canal during the British era (circa 1880s) for wood log navigation Tourism boost | Part of Punjab's new tourism policy to attract visitors and generate revenue Lease details | 7-year lease for boating and amusement park; Rs 10 lakh annual fee for each, with a 10% yearly hike Infrastructure | Landscaping completed; three motorboats already brought in; more may be added Safety measures | Trained drivers and safety protocols planned; locals emphasise safety as a priority Additional proposals | Boating tender floated near Neelon Bridge; plans underway for Sidhwan Canal stretch . MSID:: 123218116 413 |
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
THIS is India's largest railway station, has 23 platforms, over 280 trains operate daily; not in Delhi, Mumbai, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, it's located in…, name is…
When it comes to the biggest railway station in India, many people immediately think of Delhi or Mumbai. But this is not true. The country's biggest railway station is neither in Delhi nor in Mumbai. The biggest station in the country has 23 platforms, with more than 280 trains arriving and departing from here daily. Thousands of passengers are bustling around here at all times. This station is not just a stop for trains, but it is also a thriving city, with a new story being born every minute. We are discussing Howrah Junction in West Bengal, the largest railway station in the country, located on the western bank of the Hooghly River, the main railway station of Kolkata city. It has 23 platforms, with more than 600,000 daily passengers, making it the busiest station in India. Every day, more than 280 trains pass through this station, including major trains, namely, the Rajdhani Express, Duronto Express, and Shatabdi Express. This station is a major connection that links eastern, southern India to the rest of the country. In 1854, Howrah Junction was formed under British rule, with services commencing fully in 1906, and its building and services have gradually improved over time. Currently, the station sprawls across in excess of 70 acres, with services and amenities that include WiFi, food courts, and waiting rooms. Despite this, the railway authorities have to continually deal with managing large crowds and traffic in this station. The volume of trains and passengers is very high day in and day out, so congestion is normal in this station. Recently, the railway has been changing and implementing things such as the number of platforms, and making digital ticket purchasing in advance easier. There are ideas to modernise Howrah Junction further in the next few years, with modern amenities, including a more integrated campus for high-speed rail. Howrah Junction is an invaluable place in the modern world for travelers as well as for tourists. The station has an unimaginable scale (with interesting features) and has significant historical architecture. The surrounding markets and the natural beauty of the Howrah Bridge make it all the more better.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Diwali, Chhath gift for train passengers: 20% rebate on round trip tickets
IN A move to manage the heavy crowd at railway stations and in the trains during Diwali and Chhath festivals, the Ministry of Railways Saturday announced a special 'Round Trip Package' with 20% discount on the base fare. The scheme will be rolled out on pilot or experimental basis and will be applicable for those passengers who choose their return journey during the prescribed period. The ministry said the ticket booking under the scheme will start from August 14 for passengers starting the journey between October 13 and 26. Subsequently, the return journey ticket shall be booked by using the connecting journey feature for trains between November 17 and December 1, 2025. The 60-day limit on advance reservation will not be applicable for booking tickets for the return journey under the scheme. This scheme will not be applicable on premium trains like Vande Bharat, Rajdhani Express, Tejas Duronto and Shatabdi. Also, in case of cancellation, no refund shall be permissible for the tickets booked under this scheme. 'The scheme shall be allowed for all classes and in all trains including special trains (trains on demand) except trains having flexi fare. Both onward and return journey tickets must be booked using the same mode either Internet (online) booking, or counter booking at reservation offices,' said the Ministry in a statement. The 20% rebate will be permissible only for confirmed tickets in both directions. Also, with this scheme, no discounts, rail travel coupons, voucher-based bookings, passes or PTOs shall be admissible during the return journey booking, said the ministry.
