Indian Railways is set to commission a new platform at Howrah railway station, further strengthening operations at one of the busiest rail hubs in the country. Platform 24 will begin handling passenger trains from Monday, July 27, with Eastern Railway expecting the addition to improve train management, reduce congestion and enhance the overall travel experience.
According to a statement issued by the Eastern Railway, Platform 24 is scheduled to be commissioned at 5 am on July 27, after which it will immediately be opened for passenger train services. Railway authorities have advised passengers to follow announcements made through the station’s public address system for platform and train-related information.
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The newly built 635-metre-long Platform 24 has been designed to accommodate 24-coach Mail and Express trains, allowing the station to handle more long-distance services efficiently. Officials believe the platform will significantly improve the distribution of train movements, helping reduce crowding while enabling faster arrivals and departures.
Eastern Railway said the addition of Platform 24 would provide greater operational flexibility, improve train punctuality and strengthen platform management at the historic station, which serves lakhs of passengers every day. Better crowd management is also expected to enhance passenger convenience, particularly during peak travel periods.
The project has been completed at a cost of ₹2.69 crore, marking another milestone in the gradual expansion of the Howrah railway station.
Over the past century, the station has undergone multiple phases of expansion to meet increasing passenger demand. Originally built with a single platform, Howrah added six more platforms in 1905, taking the total to seven. In 1984, eight additional platforms increased the count to 15. A new terminal complex with four more platforms was inaugurated in 1992, while another expansion in 2009 raised the total number of platforms to 23.
With the commissioning of Platform 24, Howrah railway station enters another phase of growth, enabling Indian Railways to handle increasing passenger traffic more efficiently while improving train operations. The new facility is expected to play a key role in easing congestion and ensuring smoother services for commuters and long-distance travellers alike.
