Why is Kanpur Railway Station Called ‘Kanpur Central’?
Kanpur Railway Station is a significant urban transportation hub in India, serving as a major junction on the North Central Railway zone. It is often referred to as Kanpur Central. This article delves into the historical and logistical reasons behind this designation.
Historical Context
During the British colonial period, Kanpur was known as Cawnpore. The railway station that is now known as Kanpur Central was initially named Cawnpore North Barracks, often abbreviated to CNB for administrative purposes. The station was established in 1862 and has since played a crucial role in the region's connectivity. Even today, it is commonly referred to as Cawnpore North Junction (CNB) in some contexts.
The Name ‘Kanpur Central’
The suffix ‘Central’ in the station’s name signifies its importance and the fact that it is the principal railway station in the city. Central stations, by default, handle the highest volume of passenger traffic and deal with a large number of trains. In India, there are a total of five central railway stations: Trivandrum Central, Kanpur Central, Mangalore Central, Mumbai Central, and Chennai Central.
Key Features and Statistics of Kanpur Central
Kanpur Central railway station is not only the busiest Indian Railways station in terms of passengers, recording more than 2.3 million passengers per day, and the second-busiest station in terms of train frequency, but it is also one of the most profitable stations in the country. Here are some key statistics:
Over 1,580 stations are directly connected to Kanpur Central, which is the highest number of connections to a single station in the nation.
331 halting trains and 41 originating and terminating trains operate at this station.
The station holds the record for the largest route interlocking system in the world, along with New Delhi railway station, featuring 48 interlocking routes.
There are emerging routes from Kanpur Central on the Howrah - Delhi main line, the Kanpur - Jhansi - Mumbai line, the Kanpur - Unnao - Lucknow line, the Kanpur - Tundla - Agra line, the Kanpur - Kannauj - Kasganj - Mathura line, the Kanpur - Banda - Chitrakoot line, the Kanpur - Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Jn. line, the Kanpur - Dalmau - Allahabad line, and the Kanpur - Unnao - Lalganj - Raebareli line.
Kanpur Central railway station has 9 platforms and 14 railway tracks, with plans to add at least 10 more platforms to accommodate the growing number of passengers. Despite ongoing modifications, officials remain optimistic about fulfilling these promises.
The Conclusion
The extensive network, high passenger traffic, and strategic importance of Kanpur Central railway station justify its designation as the central station of Kanpur. This prominent role in the Indian railway network makes it a crucial link in the nation's transportation infrastructure.
Thank You
Understanding the reasons behind the naming of Kanpur railway station as Kanpur Central provides a deeper insight into the railway system's structure and the city's importance in India's transportation network.