10 Famous Indian Railway Stations with Historical Importance

When you step into a historic Indian railway station, you aren’t just entering a transit hub; you are walking through a time machine. From the rhythmic chug of the old steam engines to the sleek modern Vande Bharat, these stations have seen empires rise and fall, and countless personal stories unfold.

For many, a railway station is merely a point of departure or arrival. But for those with a keen eye, the red-brick facades, the high vaulted ceilings, and the intricate stone carvings tell a saga of India’s architectural evolution and its journey toward modernization.

In this deep dive, we explore 10 famous Indian railway stations with immense historical importance that every traveler and history buff should visit.

Quick Facts: India’s Heritage on Rails

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai

Previously known as Victoria Terminus, this station is more than just a commute point—it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completed in 1887 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, its design by Frederick William Stevens is a breathtaking fusion of Victorian Gothic and traditional Indian motifs.

Did you know? The central dome is topped by a statue of a woman holding a torch, symbolizing “Progress.”

The station witnessed the first-ever passenger train in India (from Bori Bandar to Thane in 1853). Today, its lion and tiger stone carvings at the entrance represent Britain and India respectively, standing as a silent testament to a shared, albeit complex, history.

2. Howrah Junction, Kolkata

Sitting on the banks of the Hooghly River, Howrah Junction is the gateway to Eastern India. It is one of the oldest and busiest stations in the country. The current red-brick structure, designed by Halsey Ricardo, was inaugurated in 1905, but the station’s roots go back to 1854.

Walking through its massive corridors, you can almost hear the echoes of the British officials and Indian revolutionaries who once paced these platforms. It remains a symbol of Kolkata’s enduring legacy as the “City of Joy.”

3. Old Delhi Railway Station (Delhi Junction)

While New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) takes the modern limelight, Old Delhi (DLI) is where the soul of the capital’s rail history resides. Established in 1864, it was built near the Red Fort to harmonize with the Mughal-era aesthetic.

The station features six clock towers (though only one remains fully functional as a water tank today). It was a crucial link during the British Raj, connecting the imperial capital to the rest of the subcontinent.

4. Charbagh Railway Station, Lucknow

Lucknow’s Charbagh station is arguably the most beautiful station in India. From an aerial view, the station looks like a giant chessboard, with its domes and turrets resembling chess pieces.

Built in 1926, the architecture is a stunning blend of Mughal, Rajput, and British styles. Legend says that Mahatma Gandhi met Jawaharlal Nehru for the first time at this very station in 1916 during an Indian National Congress session.

5. Chennai Central, Chennai

Originally known as Madras Central, this station is the primary landmark of South India. Designed by George Harding and later modified by Robert Chisholm, it features a distinctive 136-foot clock tower.

The Gothic Revival style, with its red-brick facade and Travancore-style caps on the towers, makes it an architectural marvel. It served as a vital node for the British to transport goods and personnel across the Madras Presidency.

6. Shimla Railway Station, Himachal Pradesh

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Kalka-Shimla Railway, this station is a window into the “Summer Capital” of British India. The narrow-gauge line, completed in 1903, was a feat of engineering, traversing 103 tunnels and over 800 bridges.

The station itself exudes a quaint, colonial charm, surrounded by cedar forests. A journey here on the “Toy Train” is a nostalgic trip back to the early 20th century.

7. Royapuram Railway Station, Chennai

While Chennai Central is more famous, Royapuram is the oldest functioning railway station in India. Inaugurated in 1856, it was the first station in South India.

Unlike the grand Gothic styles of Mumbai or Kolkata, Royapuram features a simple, elegant Neoclassical design with white pillars. It reminds us of the nascent stages of Indian Railways when the network was just beginning to spread its wings.

8. Ghum Railway Station, West Bengal

At an altitude of 7,407 feet, Ghum is the highest railway station in India and the 14th highest in the world. It is a key stop on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (another UNESCO site).

The station is small, cozy, and often shrouded in mist. It holds a museum that tells the story of the “Darjeeling Toy Train,” a marvel that has been operational since 1881.

9. Kanpur Central, Uttar Pradesh

Inspired by the Charbagh station of Lucknow, Kanpur Central was built in 1928. Kanpur was an industrial powerhouse during the British era, known as the “Manchester of the East.” The station’s grand arches and symmetrical layout were designed to reflect the city’s economic importance.

10. Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi Junction, Jhansi

Named after the legendary Rani of Jhansi, this station features a fort-like architecture. Built in the 1880s, its design—maroon and off-white—echoes the nearby Jhansi Fort. It serves as a reminder of the 1857 War of Independence and the valor of the Queen who fought against the British.

Expert Travel Tip: Heritage Tours

If you are a fan of history, many of these stations (like CSMT and Howrah) now offer Heritage Rail Museums or guided tours. Always look for the small plaques or old station bells; they often contain dates and manufacturer names from a century ago!

Why These Stations Matter in 2026

As Indian Railways undergoes a massive transformation through the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, these heritage sites are being preserved while adding modern amenities. It’s a delicate balance of honoring the past while embracing the future.