Largest railway station in Karnataka, Hubballi Junction, features the world’s longest platform at 1,507 metres. Learn key facts, history, and connectivity for exams.
The Largest Railway Station of Karnataka: A Milestone for Indian Railways
Hubballi’s Railway Crown: Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji Station
The largest railway station in Karnataka is Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji Hubballi Junction (often called Hubballi Junction) — a major railway hub under the South Western Railway (SWR) zone.
Hubballi Junction has earned this status primarily because it includes the world-record longest railway platform — a staggering 1,507-metre long platform — officially recognized by the Guinness World Records
Strategic Location & Connectivity
Situated in Hubballi city, the station serves as a vital junction connecting multiple major routes across India. It links the city north-westwards to Mumbai, westwards to Goa, southwards to Bengaluru, and eastwards to Hyderabad — making it one of the most significant railway nodes in Karnataka.
Its connectivity extends across long-distance routes to major cities like Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Pune, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Varanasi, Kolkata, Vishakhapatnam, and more — making it a hub for both passenger and freight movement across regions.
Station Layout & Infrastructure
Hubballi Junction comprises eight platforms in total. Among these, the record-breaking 1,507-metre platform is the longest in the world.
The 1,507-metre platform is effectively bifurcated into Platform No. 1 and Platform No. 8 (on the same continuous platform structure), so that two long trains can be accommodated simultaneously without hindering each other’s operations.
This extended platform and upgraded yard infrastructure resulted from a major remodeling under SWR — an effort to enhance capacity and to cater to future traffic demands in the Hubballi–Dharwad region.
Recognition & Milestone
The station’s extraordinary platform length was inaugurated and dedicated by Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, and officially entered into the Guinness World Records in 2025.
Besides being a record-holder, Hubballi Junction now stands as a symbol of modern railway infrastructure in India — reflecting the ambitions of Indian Railways to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and modernize under its ongoing infrastructural upgrades.
Why This News Is Important
Relevance for Railway & Government Exam Aspirants
For students preparing for railway, civil-service, or general competitive exams, being aware of major developments in Indian Railways — like the largest railway station of Karnataka — is vital. Such facts may appear in General Awareness, Indian Geography, Infrastructure or Transport & Connectivity sections.
Moreover, understanding how major infrastructure initiatives — hub remodelings, capacity expansions, record-setting projects — reflect broader developmental policies of the government can help aspirants frame analytical answers in descriptive sections of exams.
Indicator of Indian Railways’ Modernization Drive
The recognition of Hubballi Junction as the largest railway station in Karnataka — and home to the world’s longest platform — underscores Indian Railways’ continuing efforts to modernize infrastructure. This signals to aspirants and citizens alike that railway connectivity, logistic efficiency, and capacity augmentation remain top priorities for national transport planning.
Given that many government recruitment exams test knowledge about national infrastructure trends, knowing about this transformation adds valuable content for current affairs preparation.
Historical Context
Hubballi — From Old Junction to Record-Holding Station
The railway network in Karnataka has a long colonial-era legacy. Among the oldest railway stations in the state, Hubballi Junction has been significant from late 19th century — built by British-era companies around 1886–87.
Over decades, Hubballi grew in strategic importance due to its location — connecting the north-west (towards Mumbai), west (Goa), south (Bengaluru), and east (Hyderabad) — facilitating both freight (especially mineral and goods transport) and passenger traffic.
Recognizing increasing traffic and future growth in the region (especially Hubballi-Dharwad), the SWR undertook a major yard remodeling and modernisation project. As a result, the newly added platform (1,507 m) along with yard improvements came into existence.
In March 2023, the 1,507-metre platform was officially inaugurated by the Prime Minister, and the record was later validated by Guinness World Records — marking a new chapter in Indian railway infrastructure development.
Thus, from a colonial-era junction to a global record-holder, Hubballi’s journey reflects both the historical legacy and the evolving ambitions of Indian Railways.
Key Takeaways from This News
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hubballi Junction (Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji Station) is the largest railway station in Karnataka. |
| 2 | It houses the world’s longest railway platform, measuring 1,507 metres, recognised by Guinness World Records. |
| 3 | The station has a total of 8 platforms, with the longest one bifurcated as Platform 1 and Platform 8 to handle two long trains simultaneously. |
| 4 | Hubballi Junction connects major routes — Mumbai (NW), Goa (W), Bengaluru (S), Hyderabad (E) — and serves as a key hub for passenger and freight traffic across Karnataka and India. |
| 5 | The development reflects Indian Railways’ modernization drive — yard remodelling, infrastructure upgrading, increasing capacity — relevant for exam aspirants covering current affairs and transport infrastructure. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the largest railway station in Karnataka?
The largest railway station in Karnataka is Hubballi Junction (Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji Station).
2. Which record does Hubballi Junction hold?
It holds the world’s longest railway platform, measuring 1,507 metres, officially recognized by Guinness World Records.
3. How many platforms does Hubballi Junction have?
Hubballi Junction has a total of 8 platforms, with the longest platform effectively split into Platform 1 and Platform 8.
4. Why is Hubballi Junction strategically important?
It connects major routes to Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, serving as a key passenger and freight hub in Karnataka.
5. When was the longest platform inaugurated?
The 1,507-metre platform was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2025.
6. Which Indian Railways zone operates Hubballi Junction?
It is operated under the South Western Railway (SWR) zone.
7. How does Hubballi Junction contribute to Indian Railways modernization?
The station reflects Indian Railways’ infrastructure modernization, capacity enhancement, and connectivity improvements, supporting both freight and passenger operations.
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