Gaya Junction Railway Station Code, Platforms, History, Popular Trains & Interesting Facts (2026)
Gaya Junction Railway Station is one of the most important railway stations in Bihar and serves the historic city of Gaya, a major Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage destination. It is a key junction under the East Central Railway and lies on the busy Grand Chord route connecting Howrah and New Delhi. The station provides excellent rail connectivity to Bodh Gaya, Patna, Varanasi, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and several other cities across India.
Gaya Junction Overview
| Particular | Details |
| Station Name | Gaya Junction Railway Station |
| Station Code | GAYA |
| Location | Gaya, Bihar |
| Railway Zone | East Central Railway (ECR) |
| Division | Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Division |
| Number of Platforms | 10 |
| Number of Tracks | 14 |
| Elevation | Around 117 meters |
| Type | Major Junction Railway Station |
| Daily Passengers | Around 1 lakh (approx.) |
| Parking | Available |
| Waiting Rooms | Yes |
| Retiring Rooms | Yes |
| Escalators & Lifts | Available |
| Free Wi-Fi | Available |
| Nearby Airport | Gaya International Airport |
History of Gaya Junction Railway Station
Gaya Junction has a rich railway history dating back to 1879, when the railway line connecting Lakhisarai and Gaya was opened by the South Bihar Railway Company. Its importance increased significantly after the Grand Chord line opened in 1906, making Gaya one of the country’s major railway junctions on the Howrah–Delhi corridor.
Over the years, the station has been upgraded with:
- Modern station buildings
- Escalators and elevators
- Digital passenger information systems
- CCTV surveillance
- Improved waiting lounges
- Better accessibility for differently-abled passengers
- Modern passenger amenities and station redevelopment
Gaya Junction continues to undergo redevelopment to improve passenger facilities and accommodate growing rail traffic.
Gaya Junction Railway Station Code
The railway station code for Gaya Junction is:
GAYA
This station code is used while booking railway tickets through IRCTC, railway reservation counters, and railway travel apps.
Example:
- New Delhi to Gaya Junction (GAYA)
- Kolkata to Gaya Junction (GAYA)
Number of Platforms at Gaya Junction
Gaya Junction currently has 10 platforms and 14 railway tracks. The station handles hundreds of passenger, express, superfast, and premium trains every week and serves as one of the busiest railway stations in Bihar.
The platforms are connected through:
- Foot over bridges (FOBs)
- Escalators
- Elevators
- Digital display boards
A separate Pilgrim Platform is also available to handle special pilgrimage trains during peak seasons.
Popular Trains from Gaya Junction
Gaya Junction is served by several premium, superfast, and express trains.
Some popular trains include:
- Mahabodhi Express
- Rajdhani Express
- Poorva Express
- Kalka Mail
- Duronto Express
- Sampoorna Kranti Express
- Sealdah Rajdhani Express
- Gaya–Delhi Amrit Bharat Express
- Mumbai Mail
- Vande Bharat Express
These trains connect Gaya with cities such as:
- New Delhi
- Kolkata
- Patna
- Varanasi
- Prayagraj
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Bengaluru
- Ranchi
- Bhubaneswar
- Kanpur
- Lucknow
Facilities Available at Gaya Junction
| Facility | Details |
| Free Wi-Fi | Complimentary Wi-Fi service is available throughout the station. |
| Waiting Rooms | Separate waiting halls are available for general, sleeper, and AC class passengers. |
| Retiring Rooms | Rooms and dormitories are available for passengers with valid railway tickets. |
| Food Courts | Restaurants, cafeterias, snack stalls, and packaged food outlets are available. |
| Cloak Room | Secure luggage storage facility is available. |
| Wheelchair Assistance | Available for senior citizens and differently-abled passengers. |
| Digital Information Boards | Live train arrival, departure, and platform information is displayed. |
| Parking | Dedicated parking facilities for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. |
| ATM & Banking | ATMs of major banks are available inside the station premises. |
| Medical Assistance | Emergency first-aid and medical facilities are available. |
| Ticket Booking Counters | Reserved and unreserved ticket counters are available. |
| Automatic Ticket Vending Machines | Available for quick ticket booking. |
| Clean Washrooms | Well-maintained washrooms are available throughout the station. |
| CCTV Surveillance | The station is monitored round the clock for passenger security. |
Gaya Junction Ticket Booking
Passengers can book train tickets through:
- IRCTC website
- IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app
- Railway reservation counters
- Authorized railway booking agents
- Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs)
Both reserved and unreserved tickets are available.
How to Reach Gaya Junction
Gaya Junction is well connected by road and air.
By Road
Passengers can reach the station using:
- Bihar State Road Transport buses
- Auto-rickshaws
- Taxis
- App-based cab services
By Air
The nearest airport is Gaya International Airport, located approximately 10 km from the railway station. It operates domestic as well as seasonal international flights, especially for Buddhist pilgrims.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
| Attraction | Approx. Distance |
| Vishnupad Temple | 3 km |
| Bodh Gaya (Mahabodhi Temple) | 12 km |
| Mangla Gauri Temple | 4 km |
| Barabar Caves | 28 km |
| Dungeshwari Hills | 14 km |
| Thai Monastery | 13 km |
| Great Buddha Statue | 13 km |
| Falgu River | 3 km |
Interesting Facts About Gaya Junction Railway Station
- Gaya Junction was opened in 1879, making it one of the oldest railway stations in Bihar with a history spanning more than 145 years.
- The station lies on the famous Grand Chord route, one of India’s busiest railway corridors connecting Howrah and New Delhi, through which numerous premium trains operate daily.
- Gaya Junction is the primary railway gateway for Bodh Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Every year, thousands of Buddhist pilgrims from countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, Myanmar, and Vietnam arrive through this station.
- The station has a dedicated Pilgrim Platform to handle special trains during religious festivals and the peak pilgrimage season, making it unique among railway stations in eastern India.
- Gaya Junction is undergoing major redevelopment with plans for modern passenger facilities, improved circulation areas, enhanced waiting lounges, and commercial spaces to transform it into a world-class railway station.
- Besides being an important religious gateway for both Hindus and Buddhists, Gaya Junction also serves as a major operational hub connecting routes towards Patna, Kiul, Dhanbad, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, and Howrah.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the station code of Gaya Junction Railway Station?
The station code of Gaya Junction Railway Station is GAYA.
How many platforms are there at Gaya Junction?
Gaya Junction has 10 platforms.
Which railway zone manages Gaya Junction?
The station is managed by the East Central Railway (ECR) under the Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Division.
Is free Wi-Fi available at Gaya Junction?
Yes, passengers can access free Wi-Fi throughout the station.
How far is Gaya International Airport from Gaya Junction?
The airport is approximately 10 km from the railway station.
Why is Gaya Junction important?
Gaya Junction is one of India’s major pilgrimage railway stations, serving both Gaya and Bodh Gaya, and is located on the important Grand Chord railway route connecting eastern and northern India.
Conclusion
Gaya Junction Railway Station is one of Bihar’s most significant railway hubs, combining historical importance with excellent connectivity across India. As the primary rail gateway to the sacred cities of Gaya and Bodh Gaya, the station welcomes millions of pilgrims and tourists every year. With modern passenger amenities, 10 platforms, strategic location on the Grand Chord, and ongoing redevelopment, Gaya Junction continues to play a vital role in India’s railway network.
