India’s railway network is one of the largest and busiest in the world. While it plays a vital role in transporting millions daily, it also houses some of the most breathtaking architectural masterpieces in the country.
From colonial-era grandeur to modern, sustainable marvels, Indian railway stations reflect the country’s rich heritage, evolving design philosophies, and engineering prowess.
Let’s take a journey through the most iconic railway stations of India that are not only transportation hubs but also architectural wonders.
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Year Built: 1887
Style: Victorian Gothic Revival & Indo-Saracenic
One of the most iconic railway stations in the world, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens, CSMT showcases a fusion of Victorian Gothic Revival and traditional Indian architecture.
Intricate stone carvings, pointed arches, turrets, stained glass windows, and domes adorn this station, making it look more like a palace than a transportation hub. The imposing central dome, reminiscent of traditional Mughal architecture, and the detailed sculptures reflect Mumbai’s colonial past and artistic legacy.
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
Year Built: 1905
Style: Indo-Gothic with Functional Modernism
Howrah Junction is one of the busiest and oldest railway stations in India. Built on the western bank of the Hooghly River, the station originally started with six platforms and has expanded over the years to house 23 platforms today.
Architecturally, it merges utilitarian design with Gothic influences. The station’s massive arched windows, long corridors, and robust red-brick façade make it an unmistakable landmark. The grand clock tower adds a touch of old-world charm, while recent modernization efforts preserve its historical essence.
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Year Built: 1873 (rebuilt in 1900)
Style: Gothic Revival
Chennai Central, designed by architect George Harding, is a Gothic Revival-style masterpiece. Its red-brick exterior, tall tower clock, and arched windows make it a standout in the skyline of Chennai.
The station has witnessed Chennai’s transformation from a colonial outpost to a bustling metropolitan city. It blends historical architecture with modern amenities, such as escalators, digital boards, and waiting lounges.
Location: New Delhi
Year Built: 1926 (rebuilt in the 1950s)
Style: Modern International
The New Delhi Railway Station represents a shift from ornate colonial design to functional modernism. Unlike older stations with intricate details, this station boasts clean lines, practical layouts, and large concourses designed for heavy passenger flow.
The recent modernization has transformed parts of the station into sleek, energy-efficient spaces with solar panels, EV charging points, and better accessibility features.
Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Year Built: 1930
Style: Indo-European
Kanpur Central, one of the top 5 busiest stations in India, is known for its distinctive dome-shaped structure, wide arches, and symmetrical layout. The central dome bears similarity to the Lucknow Charbagh station, which inspired its design.
Recent renovations have preserved its colonial-era elegance while upgrading amenities to match contemporary standards.
Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Year Built: 1926
Style: Indo-Saracenic & Mughal
Charbagh Railway Station is a majestic example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Designed by architect J.H. Horniman, the station looks more like a grand Mughal palace, with domes, minarets, and arches dominating its façade.
The name “Charbagh” refers to the Persian-style quadrilateral garden layout seen in Mughal architecture. The building’s front view is symmetrical, adding to its aesthetic appeal. It’s a visual delight, especially when lit up in the evening.
Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal
Year Built: 1891
Style: Colonial Hill Station Aesthetic
At 7,407 feet above sea level, Ghum Railway Station is the highest railway station in India. It’s a part of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This small yet historically rich station boasts a quaint colonial charm with wooden structures, sloped roofs, and picturesque surroundings. It’s a perfect example of heritage architecture harmonizing with nature.
Location: Vadodara, Gujarat
Year Built: 1861 (modernized multiple times)
Style: Colonial with Modern Integration
A prominent junction in western India, Vadodara station blends colonial-era construction with modern design elements. The station is known for its impressive facade, massive footfalls, and one of the largest electric loco sheds in Asia.
Vadodara is also known for incorporating sustainability practices like rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting.
Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Year Built: 1910
Style: Indo-Islamic
Bhopal Junction reflects Indo-Islamic architectural elements, including archways, jharokhas, and lattice windows. The sandstone structure, with its symmetrical layout and dome-capped towers, pays homage to the region’s royal heritage.
The station is also part of India’s green initiative, featuring solar panels and bio-toilets.
Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Year Renovated: 2021
Style: Modern & Sustainable
The Rani Kamalapati Railway Station is India’s first private-public partnership (PPP) redeveloped station and a shining example of sustainable, futuristic design.
Modelled after German railway stations, it features:
It marks the new era of railway station design in India—clean, green, and commuter-centric.
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Year Built: 1874
Style: Asaf Jahi & British Colonial
Secunderabad Junction, built during the reign of the Nizam of Hyderabad, beautifully merges Asaf Jahi-style domes with British colonial architecture. The station’s grand arch, clock tower, and symmetrical design echo Hyderabad’s architectural identity.
It remains one of South India’s most important junctions, serving as a gateway to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
India’s railway stations are not merely transit points—they’re windows into history, architecture, and culture. From British colonial Gothic to sustainable smart stations, they reflect the evolution of design and public infrastructure across centuries.
Whether you’re a heritage enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a frequent traveler, India’s railway stations have stories to tell.
Their domes, arches, corridors, and concourses stand as monuments to India’s engineering brilliance and artistic heritage.
As India modernizes its rail network under initiatives like Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and PM Gati Shakti, we can expect more stations to become smart, sustainable, and stylish– without losing touch with their historical roots.
1. Which is the most beautiful railway station in India?
CSMT in Mumbai is widely considered the most beautiful due to its Gothic architecture and UNESCO status.
2. Which is the oldest railway station in India?
Royapuram Railway Station in Chennai, built in 1856, is the oldest functioning railway station in India.
3. What is the most modern railway station in India?
Rani Kamalapati Station in Bhopal is currently the most modern, featuring airport-like facilities.
4. Are any Indian railway stations UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Yes, CSMT in Mumbai and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (including Ghum station) are UNESCO-listed.
5. What are green railway stations in India?
Green stations like Bhopal and Vadodara focus on sustainability through solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and energy efficiency.
