Our Bureau
Bengaluru
India has etched its name in the record books once again with the inauguration of the world’s longest railway platform at Hubballi in Karnataka. The Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji Hubballi Junction now boasts a platform stretching an astonishing 1,507 metres—surpassing not only domestic rivals but also platforms in countries like the United States, Russia, China, and Australia.
The record-breaking platform was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a milestone for Indian Railways and the city of Hubballi. This achievement has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, making it a point of national pride.
The new platform, built at a cost of ₹20.1 crore, is designed to ease congestion at this crucial junction, which serves as a major hub for trade and commerce in North Karnataka. Hubballi connects key railway lines towards Bengaluru, Hosapete, and Vasco-Da-Gama/Belagavi, making it a strategic point in the region’s transport network.
With its impressive length of 1.5 kilometers, the platform allows for two trains to be flagged off simultaneously with electric engines—a logistical advantage that is expected to improve passenger comfort and operational efficiency. The expansion comes as part of a broader modernization effort, which includes the electrification of the Hosapete-Hubballi-Tinaighat railway line, further strengthening the station’s role as a vital coal and freight corridor for Karnataka.
Prior to this, the record for the world’s longest railway platform was held by Gorakhpur Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh, with a length of 1,366.33 metres. Other notable long platforms include Kollam Junction in Kerala (1,180.5 metres) and Kharagpur in West Bengal (1,072.5 metres).
The accomplishment at Hubballi underscores India’s growing infrastructure capabilities and its commitment to enhancing the country’s vast railway network. As the world’s longest railway platform, Hubballi stands as a symbol of Indian engineering prowess and ambition.
