10 Railway Stations in India With Unbelievable Colonial History

India’s railway network was developed rapidly during the British colonial period and became an important part of the transport and economic system. Several railway stations built during this era still stand today. From grand Gothic buildings to hill stations connected by heritage railways, these stations are in India’s colonial history.  Keep reading to know in detail. 

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus was Originally known as Victoria Terminus. It was named after Queen Victoria. The construction began in 1878 and was completed in 1888. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. It was designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens. The architecture combines Victorian Gothic Revival and traditional Indian architectural elements.

2. Howrah Junction, Kolkata

The Howrah Junction is one of India’s oldest major railway stations. The first passenger train from Howrah to Hooghly ran in 1854. The station became an important railway gateway to eastern India. The development of Howrah junction was closely linked to the expansion of the East Indian Railway during British rule.

3. Madras Central, Chennai

Madras Central is now known as Puratchi Thalaivar Dr M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station. The station was opened in 1873. It was designed by British architect George Hardinge. The station became an important railway link connecting Madras with other parts of British India.

4. Royapuram Railway Station, Chennai

Royapuram Railway Station was opened in 1856. It is among the oldest surviving railway stations in India. The first railway service from the station connected Royapuram with Arcot. It was an important early railway link in the Madras Presidency.

5. KSR Bengaluru City Junction

Bengaluru’s railway station was  developed during the British period. The first railway line connecting Bengaluru with Jolarpettai opened in the 19th century. The railway played an important role in connecting the city with the wider Madras Presidency. 

6. Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station

Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station was opened in 1914. It was built during the British colonial period. Its architecture combines Mughal, Rajput and European influences. The grand red-and-white structure resembles a palace.

7. Ghum Railway Station, West Bengal

Ghum Railway Station is located on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It is located at around 2,258 metres. It is one of the highest railway stations in India. The railway was developed during the British period, during the 1880s. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

8. Darjeeling Railway Station, West Bengal

Darjeeling Railway Station is part of the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The railway was created to connect the hill town of Darjeeling with the plains. It played an important role in transporting people and goods through the mountainous region. Its famous toy train continues to operate as a heritage attraction. The railway is one of India’s most important surviving examples of colonial-era hill railway engineering.

9. Kanpur Central Railway Station, Uttar Pradesh

Kanpur became an important railway centre during British rule. Kanpur's railway connections expanded as the British developed transportation networks across northern India. Kanpur’s location made it an important link between major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata and other parts of northern India.  The station later became one of India’s busiest railway stations.

10. Delhi Junction, Delhi

Delhi Junction also known as Old Delhi Railway Station was opened in 1903. The station was developed during the British period as Delhi became an important administrative centre. It remains one of Delhi’s major railway stations.

Colonial-Era Railway Stations in India

Which Is India’s Oldest Surviving Railway Station?

Royapuram Railway Station in Chennai is widely recognised as one of India’s oldest surviving railway stations. It was opened in 1856 as a  part of the early railway network of the Madras Presidency. The historic station building still survives.