The categorization of railway stations in India is revised every five years. The categorization for the year 2024-25, like in 2017-18, is based on passenger earnings and the number of passengers handled at each station.
According to a report issued by the Ministry of Railways on Tuesday, a total of 8,809 stations across India are open for passenger services, and their categorization is based on revenue and passenger numbers. This categorization highlights the top stations that lead in revenue and passenger traffic.
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Top stations by revenue in India
On the national level, New Delhi Railway Station is India’s top-earning station, generating ₹3,337.6 crores and serving 3.93 crore passengers. It is followed by Howrah Junction, which earned ₹1,692.3 crores and hosted 6.13 crore passengers.
Other major stations include Chennai Central (₹1,299.3 crores, 3.05 crore passengers), Secunderabad (₹1,276.2 crores, 2.77 crore passengers), and Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (₹982.2 crores, 5.16 crore passengers).
Top stations by passenger footfall in India
When it comes to the busiest stations in terms of passenger traffic, Thane (Maharashtra) tops the list, recording 9.3 crore passengers. It is followed by Kalyan, with 8.37 crore passengers.
Howrah Station in West Bengal, which ranks second in revenue, recorded 6.13 crore passengers. Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus saw 5.16 crore passengers, making it one of the busiest stations. Sealdah Station (West Bengal) handled 5.13 crore passengers, securing its spot among the top five.
In South India, Tambaram (Tamil Nadu) and MGR Chennai Central stations served 3.27 crore and 3.05 crore passengers, respectively.
Top revenue-generating stations in Bihar
Now, turning to Bihar, Patna Junction stands as the highest-earning station in the state, generating ₹699.5 crores in revenue and serving 2.47 crore passengers. It is categorized as an NSG 1 station and is the leading station in Bihar.
Following Patna, stations like Danapur (₹278.1 crores, 73 lakh passengers), Muzaffarpur Junction (₹275.4 crores, 73 lakh passengers), and Gaya (₹236.4 crores, 88 lakh passengers) are categorized as NSG 2 stations.
Detailed performance of key stations in Bihar
Katihar Junction, with a revenue of ₹160 crores and 64 lakh passengers, ranks sixth among the top revenue-generating stations in Bihar. It plays a significant role in regional travel and transportation.
Kishanganj Station, which earned ₹99.6 crores and served 19.7 lakh passengers, is ranked 12th in the state based on revenue. Its location near the border makes it a crucial station for travel and trade in the region.
Saharsa Junction generated ₹81.1 crores in revenue, handling 39.2 lakh passengers, positioning it as the 16th highest-earning station in Bihar. It is an essential hub for passengers in the northern part of the state.
Barsoi Junction recorded ₹41.4 crores in revenue and served 15 lakh passengers, placing it at 23rd in the state’s ranking based on revenue.
Jogbani Station, located near the Nepal border, generated ₹23.3 crores and served 12.4 lakh passengers. It holds the 34th position in Bihar’s revenue rankings, being a crucial transit point for cross-border travel.
Lastly, Araria Court Station, which earned ₹12.9 crores and handled 5.3 lakh passengers, ranks 43rd in Bihar’s revenue standings.
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