New Delhi: Railway stations can be an interesting place for someone who is looking to experience the din and bustle of life. The stations are a melting pot of the society, with people from different strata availing of trains to travel to different places. In India, trains are the most sought-after public transports and it used by millions of people every day. The scenario is same in most other countries also, where trains play a crucial role in daily life.
Which is the largest station in the world?
The Grand Central Terminal in New York City, United States, is considered to be the largest station in the world. It is the southern terminus of the Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem, Hudson and New Haven Lines, which serves the New York metropolitan area’s southern parts. The construction of the station took place between 1903 and 1913. It was officially opened to great fanfare on February 2, 1913, even though the construction of the station was not fully completed yet. On the opening day, more than 150,000 people visited the station.
The largest station in the world
The Grand Central Terminal covers a total area of 48 acres. There are 44 platforms in the terminal, which is more than any other rail station in the world. All of its platforms are below the ground. The terminal serves on the upper level 30 tracks and on the lower level it serves 26 tracks. There are 67 tracks in total including sidings and a rail yard.
The stunning architecture of the station
The architecture of the Grand Central Terminal is indeed breathtaking. It looks like a grand palace and people often go there just to admire its magnificence. The grandeur of the palace surpasses even some of the most majestic palaces.
The terminal has been declared a National Historic Landmark and it is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the US due to its stunning beauty. One of Grand Central’s main attractions, the four-faced opal clock in the Main Concourse, is a place where visitors and local people meet and it has featured in films and television. There are a variety of stores and food vendors in the Grand Central Terminal including grocery marketplace. The building also has event hall, library, and tennis club. There is also the famous Whispering Gallery where people can listen to whispers from across the hall. Every day, over 125,000 passengers pass through this station.
A hidden platform
The Grand Central Terminal has a secret platform under the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Known as Track 61, this secret platform was used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II in 1944. The platform is located beneath the Waldorf Astoria New York hotel within an underground storage yard northeast of Grand Central Terminal and is part of the complex. Notably, it cannot be accessed by the regular passengers.
Grand Central Terminal, the world’s largest train station, boasts stunning architecture and a rich history. More than just a transportation hub, it’s a New York City landmark featuring 44 platforms, a hidden platform, and iconic features like the celestial ceiling and Whispering Gallery. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
