Howrah Junction, one of India's busiest railway stations, has started operations on a new platform, numbered 24, from Monday, 27 July. The platform is built to handle 24-coach Mail and Express trains and is expected to ease congestion and improve train management at the station.
Platform Number 24 at Howrah Railway Station
Howrah Railway Station has served passengers for decades and has undergone multiple expansions over the years to improve passenger management. The latest addition, Platform 24, is aimed at long-distance trains and is expected to improve punctuality by supporting better adherence to train schedules, while also enhancing passenger convenience.
Key Features of Howrah Junction's New Platform
- State: West Bengal
- Station: Howrah Junction Railway Station (HWH)
- Platform Number: 24
- Platform Length: 635 metres
- Operations: Long-distance trains
- Accommodation: 24-coach Mail/Express trains
- Cost of Construction: ₹2.69 crore
- Launch Date: 27 July (Monday)
Platform 24 and the New Complex
Howrah station is split across two complexes:
- Old Complex (Terminal I): Platforms 1 to 15
- New Complex (Terminal II): Platforms 17 to 24
Previously, the new complex housed platforms 17 to 23 only. Platform 24 is the latest addition to Terminal II, intended to improve both passenger convenience and overall train management at the station.
Passengers are advised to check their PNR status before reaching the station, as it helps confirm ticket status and expected platform number in advance, reducing the chances of last-minute confusion.
What Eastern Railway Has Said
According to Eastern Railway (ER), Platform 24 will be commissioned for passenger use from 05:00 hrs onward. Passengers are advised to stay alert to announcements on the station's Public Address System.
During the construction period, several trains were originated and terminated at Shalimar or Santragachi instead of Howrah to allow work to proceed smoothly.
The new platform is expected to allow faster train arrivals and departures, improving punctuality and giving Eastern Railway greater operational flexibility.
The project was completed at a cost of ₹2.69 crore, resulting in a 635-metre platform capable of handling 24-coach long-distance Express/Mail services.