Which was the first railway station in Delhi? The name will surprise you
Which was the first railway station in Delhi? The name will surprise you
There are total 46 railway stations in Delhi, including major hubs like New Delhi, Old Delhi, Anand Vihar and Hazrat Nizamuddin. But do you know which is the oldest railway station in Delhi. Let's find out.
Delhi is home to a total of 46 railway stations. Among these 21 stations are integrated into the 35 km long Delhi Ring Railway, hat runs parallel to the Delhi Ring Road. Among these, there are four A-1 category stations, part of India's 75, and four A category stations, part of the country's 332, and the remaining 38 are minor stations in Delhi.
2/8Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
Most people know New Delhi Railway Station as the primary hub for rail traffic in the capital. But surprisingly, the first and oldest railway station in Delhi is not New Delhi. I bet you will be surprised to know the name because the station doesn't look like to be the oldest.
3/8Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
The first and the oldest railway station in Delhi is Delhi Junction, also known as Old Delhi Railway Station. It was constructed during the British era.
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4/8Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
The Old Delhi Railway Station is located in Chandni Chowk area. The station was built in 1864 when trains first started operating between Delhi and Calcutta. The station has eighteen platforms, two of which are designed to accommodate two 24-coach trains end-to-end.
5/8Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
It is one of the busiest railway stations in the country, with around 250 trains commencing, terminating, or passing through it daily. The architecture, with its red-brick facade and colonial-era design, makes it stand out, though most commuters never realise they are passing through Delhi's oldest railway heritage.
6/8Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
Over the decades, new platforms were built and facilities were improved, but despite this, many of its old parts were retained. The station became the gateway to North India due to its prime location.
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7/8Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
Despite being so old, it is still one of the busiest stations in Delhi. The colonial-era tracks still exist here. Some old narrow-gauge lines and parts of the structure are still intact.
8/8Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
It was originally built for freight. Before passenger services were regularised, the station was used for freight trains. It was the main terminal of Delhi before New Delhi Station was built. Until 1926, all long-distance trains coming to Delhi used to come here.
