Over the years, Howrah station has seen multiple expansions to accommodate increasing passenger and train traffic. Significant upgrades include the addition of six platforms in 1905, eight more in 1984 bringing the total to 15, the construction of a new terminal complex with four platforms in 1992, and a further expansion in 2009 raising the platform count to 23.
The new Platform No. 24 at Howrah Terminal measures 635 metres and will be able to accommodate 24-coach long-distance Mail and Express trains. The platform has been constructed at a cost of Rs 2.69 crore and is scheduled for commissioning by July 2026.
In addition to the new platform, platforms 10, 11, 12, and 13 are currently being extended to handle longer trains. The extensions will increase platform lengths significantly, ranging from 89 to 112 metres, enhancing the station’s capacity and operational flexibility. The total investment for these platform extensions is Rs 17.59 crore.
Details of platform extensions include: – Platform 10: Extended from 430 metres to 542 metres (+112 metres) – Platform 11: Extended from 435 metres to 542 metres (+107 metres) – Platform 12: Extended from 487.5 metres to 591 metres (+103.5 metres) – Platform 13: Extended from 457.7 metres to 547 metres (+89.3 metres)
Howrah railway station operates under the administrative control of the Eastern Railway’s Howrah Division.
Furthermore, improvements are underway to support the maintenance of Vande Bharat trains. The Eastern Railway is extending the shunting neck at Liluah to enhance connectivity to the Liluah Workshop, where a new Periodic Overhaul (POH) facility for Vande Bharat trains is being developed.
A new Route Relay Interlocking system is also scheduled for commissioning at Howrah within the current fiscal year. Along with yard remodeling, these projects aim to improve train operations and maintenance capabilities.
Efforts have been made to reduce the waiting time for long-distance trains approaching Howrah, particularly those arriving via South Eastern Railway routes, contributing to smoother train operations at this crucial junction.
