The railway with the longest platform is Hubballi Junction in India, which is part of the Indian Railways network.
Hubballi Junction: Home to the World's Longest Platform
The world's longest station platform is located at Hubballi Junction (officially Shri Siddharoodha Swamiji Hubballi Junction) in Hubballi, Karnataka, India. This remarkable platform measures an impressive 1,507 metres (4,944 ft) in length, solidifying its position as a global record holder.
Inaugurated in March 2021, this extended platform was a significant infrastructure upgrade, primarily aimed at accommodating longer trains and improving operational efficiency for the burgeoning passenger and freight traffic in the region. Hubballi Junction serves as the headquarters for the South Western Railway zone of Indian Railways, making it a crucial hub in the national railway network.
Why Such Long Platforms?
The need for exceptionally long platforms stems from several operational and logistical requirements:
- Accommodation of Long Trains: Modern freight and passenger trains can be very long, often exceeding 24 coaches. A longer platform ensures that all coaches of such trains can berth at the station simultaneously, allowing passengers to board and alight comfortably from any coach without having to walk excessive distances or the train having to make multiple stops.
- Increased Capacity: By extending platforms, railway authorities can better manage multiple train operations or accommodate more passengers during peak times.
- Operational Flexibility: Long platforms provide greater flexibility for train shunting, coupling, and de-coupling operations.
- Future-Proofing: Investing in longer platforms anticipates future increases in train lengths and passenger volumes, ensuring the infrastructure remains relevant for decades to come.
Top Longest Railway Platforms Globally
While Hubballi Junction now holds the top spot, several other stations worldwide are known for their exceptionally long platforms. Here's a look at some of the longest:
| Rank | Station Name | Location | Length (Metres) | Length (Feet) | Railway Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hubballi Junction (SSSM Hubballi) | India | 1,507 | 4,944 | Indian Railways | World's longest platform since 2021 |
| 2 | Gorakhpur Junction | India | 1,366 | 4,485 | Indian Railways | Held record before Hubballi |
| 3 | Kollam Junction | India | 1,180.5 | 3,873 | Indian Railways | Significant South Indian hub |
| 4 | Kharagpur Junction | India | 1,072 | 3,517 | Indian Railways | Formerly world's longest |
| 5 | State Street/Lake (Chicago 'L') | USA | 1,067 | 3,501 | Chicago Transit Authority | Longest rapid transit platform |
Note: The lengths listed for other platforms are approximate and can vary slightly based on different measurement methods or sources. Hubballi Junction's length is officially confirmed.
The continuous development of railway infrastructure, especially in densely populated countries like India, highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance railway travel efficiency and capacity. From the small Appalachian Trail station in the United States, which is only long enough for a single bench, to the monumental Hubballi Junction, platform lengths demonstrate the diverse needs and scales of railway operations worldwide.
