Indian cities often have multiple railway stations with names like Central, Junction, Terminus, Halt, or Cantt, indicating their size, function, and connectivity. Understanding these helps travelers choose the right boarding point and avoid delays or penalties
If you travel regularly by train in India, you have probably noticed that the same city often has two or three railway stations, all with different names. One might be called “Central,” another a “Junction,” while a third could be a “Terminus.” Some stations even use “Cantt,” a legacy term many passengers still wonder about. But these labels are not random. They tell you how big the station is, what kind of trains it handles, and how important it is within the rail network. Understanding these names makes trip planning easier, especially in large cities where choosing the wrong station can mean missed trains or long detours. Here is a simple guide to what these station names actually mean, with examples you will recognise.
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Why Indian Cities Have Multiple Railway Stations
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Big Indian cities usually have more than one railway station because one station alone cannot handle all the trains and passengers. As rail lines expanded over the years, new stations were added in different parts of the city to manage routes going in different directions. Many older stations were built in the British era for administrative or army use, while newer ones came up later as the city grew. Having multiple stations also helps reduce crowding, makes operations smoother, and gives travellers easier access from different neighbourhoods. This is why cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kanpur, Chennai, and Prayagraj naturally ended up with several stations serving different purposes.
What “Central” Really Means
Chennai Central. (Photo: Unsplash)
A “Central” station usually refers to the biggest railway station in a major city. It handles heavy passenger traffic, important long-distance routes, and a higher frequency of premium trains. These stations often act as the city's anchor point for interstate rail traffic, with better connectivity and infrastructure.
For example, Kanpur Central, Chennai Central (Puratchi Thalaivar Dr M.G. Ramachandran Central) and Mumbai Central are known for their high daily passenger volume and extensive service networks. In most cities, “Central” is the go-to station for major departures.
What A “Junction” Means
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A “Junction” is a station where three or more railway lines meet, making a key interchange for passengers and goods. These stations are important in routing trains across different parts of the country and allow travellers to switch directions easily. Junctions typically have multiple platforms, different train categories and strong regional connectivity.
Examples include Itarsi Junction, one of India's busiest crosspoints, and Mathura Junction, which links northern, central, and western routes. Cities like Kanpur and Patna also have important junction stations serving thousands of intercity travellers.
What A “Terminus” Means
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A “Terminus” is a station where a route ends, meaning trains originate or conclude their journey here. These stations usually do not have onward tracks on at least one side. Terminus stations are built to manage large numbers of departing trains and often have extensive maintenance yards because many services start their daily schedule here.
Well-known examples include Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai), Howrah Terminus (one side of the complex) and Nagercoil Terminus, each serving as a final stop for long-distance routes.
What A “Halt” Means
A “Halt” is a small stop where passenger trains halt briefly, often upon request or based on local commuter needs. These stations usually have a very basic setup, like a short platform, minimal shelter, and no major staffing. Halts cater primarily to rural and semi-urban pockets that need connectivity but don't see heavy traffic.
Examples include Barog Halt near the Kalka–Shimla line and countless small stops across Bihar, Odisha and Kerala, where halts act as lifelines for daily travel.
What “Cantt/Cantonment” Means
“Cantt” stands for Cantonment, a term dating back to the British era. These stations were originally built near military settlements to move troops and supplies. Today, cantonment stations function like full-fledged passenger stations but remain associated with defence-adjacent areas. They usually maintain good cleanliness, organised entry points, and steady intercity connectivity.
Examples include Ambala Cantt, Agra Cantt and Secunderabad Cantonment. While they are not always the primary station in a city, they are often highly efficient and well-connected.
Is This Naming Convention Only In India?
King's Cross, London (Photo: Unsplash)
No, these naming conventions are not unique to India. Many countries use similar terms like “Central,” “Junction,” “Terminal”, or “Cantonment/Station near army areas” based on the station's role and layout. For example, London has stations called Euston Station, King's Cross Station, and Liverpool Street Station, each serving different directions and functions.
In the US, large hubs are called “Terminals,” like Grand Central Terminal in New York. However, India uses these names more consistently and on a much larger scale because of the size of the network and the number of trains operating daily. So while the concept exists globally, the variety and frequency of these labels are far more visible in India.
How To Identify Your Correct Boarding Station
Since there are multiple stations, identifying which station to board is important. Here are some easy ways to do it:
1. Check the Train Route on IRCTC
When booking, go to the “Booked Ticket History” or the train's route details. IRCTC shows all the stations between the origin and destination, you can pick a boarding station that lies on the train's path.
2. Change the Boarding Station (If Needed)
IRCTC allows you to change your boarding station once, up to 24 hours before the train departs, for tickets booked online.
3. Be Aware of Penalties
If you board from a different station than the one finalised, you may lose rights to use your original boarding point, and you might need to pay a fare penalty for the extra distance.
Also Read: Booking Rajdhani Without Meals: Do You Still Get A Water Bottle?
So, now you know what these station names mean! Go on, and share this with your friends and family!
