Amta railway station (station code: AMTA) is a railway station serving the town of Amta in the Howrah district of West Bengal, India. It lies on the Howrah–Amta branch line of the Eastern Railway zone of Indian Railways and functions as the terminal station of this suburban line.
Key facts
| Name | Amta railway station |
|---|---|
| Station code | AMTA |
| Location | Amta, Howrah district, West Bengal |
| Country | India |
| Line | Howrah–Amta line |
| Operator | Eastern Railway, Indian Railways |
| Division | Howrah railway division |
| Type | Terminal station (branch line) |
| Electrification | Yes |
Overview
Amta is the western terminus of the Howrah–Amta branch line, a suburban broad-gauge line that originates at Howrah Junction and runs through rural and semi-urban parts of Howrah district. The station primarily handles electric multiple unit (EMU) local trains operated by the Howrah suburban network of Eastern Railway, providing the principal daily commuter link between Amta and Kolkata's Howrah terminus.
Background and history
The route between Howrah and Amta has its origins in a narrow-gauge light railway, the Howrah–Amta Light Railway, which was operated for much of the twentieth century to link the agricultural hinterland of Howrah district with Kolkata. After the closure of the narrow-gauge service, the corridor was rebuilt as a broad-gauge line under Indian Railways and integrated into the Howrah suburban system. With the conversion and subsequent electrification, Amta became a regular stop on the EMU network, with the present station serving as the line's terminal point.
Layout and services
The station has platforms suitable for the standard rakes used on Howrah suburban services. Trains terminating at Amta typically reverse direction here for the return journey towards Howrah Junction, with intermediate halts at stations along the branch line. Basic passenger amenities such as ticket counters, waiting space and platform shelters are provided.
Significance
Amta railway station is an important transport node for the western part of Howrah district, particularly for daily commuters travelling to Kolkata for work, education and trade. The branch line also supports the movement of residents from villages around Amta, Bagnan and adjoining areas, and contributes to the regional connectivity of the lower Damodar belt.
Related topics
- Howrah–Amta line
- Howrah Junction railway station
- Eastern Railway zone
- Howrah railway division
- Kolkata Suburban Railway
- Amta
- Howrah district
References
- Wikidata: Q60061824
- Indian Railways, Eastern Railway zone — public timetable and station information.