Howrah Station to Get Two New Platforms, Eight Extended for Longer Trains
Kolkata: A significant push to ease congestion at one of India’s busiest terminals, Eastern Railway’s Howrah Division is expanding infrastructure at Howrah Station. Divisional Railway Manager Vishal Kapoor announced the addition of two new platforms and extension of eight existing ones under a comprehensive yard remodelling project.
A new 635-metre Platform 24, built at a cost of ₹2.69 crore, is slated for commissioning this month. Another platform, No. 16 (around 300 metres), will follow as part of the exercise. Platforms 1, 8, 10-15 will be lengthened to accommodate 22-24 coach trains, enhancing passenger capacity without extra paths.
The project includes track rationalisation, new Route Relay Interlocking, and segregation of Eastern and South Eastern Railway movements to reduce conflicts. Kapoor highlighted recent punctuality gains, with peak suburban services touching 100% on June 28 and averaging 85-97% lately. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Rahul Ranjan and Divisional Commercial Manager Harinarayan Gagopadhyay were also present.
