Howrah Junction in West Bengal stands out as one of the most unique railway stations in India because of its special design. This station features a dedicated internal road that allows vehicles to reach directly to the platforms. Passengers can take their cars and bikes right next to the trains, which makes the journey much easier for those carrying heavy luggage or traveling with elderly family members.
How does the Cab Road system work at Howrah Junction?
The facility of driving vehicles onto the platform is possible through a feature called the Cab Road. This wide road is located between specific platforms at the station complex. It serves two main sections of the station to ensure smooth movement for passengers. The road is available at these specific locations:
- Located between Platform 8 and 9 for the Eastern Railway section
- Located between Platform 21 and 22 for the South Eastern Railway section
- Provides direct access to train coaches for private cars and taxis
- Helps in reducing the overall crowd on the main platform area
History of the road and upcoming plans for other stations
The Cab Road was originally constructed for high ranking officials and VIPs so they could reach their coaches without walking through the crowded main entrance. Over time, the facility was opened for the general public to use. This infrastructure was further improved during the station expansion in 1985. Looking at the success of this model, Indian Railways is now planning to build a similar Cabway at the Danapur Railway Station in Bihar. The expansion project at Danapur is expected to be finished by the year 2030 to provide a similar comfort to passengers in that region.