Shruti Suman
New Delhi: Indian Railways operates the world’s fourth-largest national railway system, boasting a track length of 132,310 km, over 1.2 million employees, and 7,335 railway stations. Each station accommodates thousands of passengers daily.
One station, stands out due to exceptionally long name: “Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station” in Tamil Nadu.
Fact was highlighted by Southern Railway in a post on X (twitter), which stated: “Did you know that Chennai Central Railway Station boasts the longest name among all Indian railway stations 🚂 #ChennaiCentral #LongestStationName #IndianRailways #TamilNadu #SouthernRailway.”
This name, consisting of 57 letters, distinguishes it as the station with the longest name in English across India.
Originally known as Madras Central, and later Chennai Central, the station was renamed in 2019 to honor the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MG Ramachandran. The renaming was carried out after the Union government approved the Tamil Nadu AIADMK government’s proposal, according to a report by Mathrubhumi.com.
Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station serves as a crucial hub, connecting Chennai with various parts of Northern India, including Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi, as well as other regions across the country. It is the primary terminus in Chennai and also one of the most busiest railway stations in the Southern India.
The station, which is the busiest in South India, also holds historical significance. Located adjacent to the current headquarters of Southern Railway, it served as the gateway to South India during the British Raj.
