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The world's 10 most amazing railway stations
Last updated on: May 10, 2011 12:44 IST
Image: Berlin Hauptbahnhof.
1. Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Germany) Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Central Station) is one of the biggest and most beautiful railway stations in Europe.
An architectural wonder, it is Europe's largest two-level railway station with 14 platforms and 80 retail stores. It was inaugurated on May 26, 2006.
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Image: Berlin Hauptbahnhof.
Located on the site of the historic Lehrter Bahnhof, the station is operated by DB Station & Service, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn AG.
Classified as a Category 1 station, it is one of twenty stations in Germany and third in Berlin.
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Image: Visitors stroll through the Berlin Hauptbahnhof in Berlin.
Photographs: Tobias Schwarz/Reuters.
The building in Spreebogen combines striking architecture with the mobility requirements of the 21st century.
Every day around 1,100 long-distance, regional and rapid transit trains call at the 14 platforms on two different levels.
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Image: Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.
2. Kuala Lumpur Railway Station (Malaysia) A historical building, the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station with Moorish architecture design was completed in 1910.
A hub for Malaysia's rail transportation system, its tall minarets and arches make it one of the most impressive railway stations in the world.
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Image: Kuala Lumpur Railway station.
Photographs: Reuters.
The building was refurbished in 1986 with facilities like air conditioned waiting halls, stalls and information counters.
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Image: A light rail transit train is seen in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Photographs: Bazuki Muhammad/Reuters.
Designed by British architect A.B. Hubbock in 1913, the building was completed in 1917.
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Image: Nordpark Cable Railway.
3. Nordpark Cable Railway (Austria) The Nordpark Cable Railway has four new stations and a cable-stayed suspension bridge over the river Inn. The station opened in December 2007.
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Image: Nordpark Cable Railway.
Zaha Hadid Architects built the Nordpark Cable Railway in 2005.
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Image: Nordpark Cable Railway.
It was awarded the Gold Medal for design by the International Olympic Committee in 2005.
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Image: Gare de Strasbourg.
4. Gare de Strasbourg (France) Designed by Berlin-based architect Johann Jacobsthal, in 1883 the railway station in Strasbourg, France, was renovated in 2007.
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Image: Gare de Strasbourg.
The 120-metre-long glass construction blends with the historic design of the train station.
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Image: Gare de Strasbourg.
The 25-metre space between the dome and the building is another big highlight.
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Image: Kanazawa Station.
5. Kanazawa Station ( Japan) It is one of the most futuristic and unique stations in Japan.
The station is a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary architecture.
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Image: Kanazawa Station.
The wooden temple gate with glass and steel, is on the West Japan Railway's Hokuriku Line.
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Image: Kanazawa Station.
A 14-metre high gate leads to the station's main entrance. The giant dome which connects the west and east side of the station is made of 3,000 glass panes.
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Image: Southern Cross station.
Southern Cross Station
Southern Cross is a major railway station and transport hub in Australia. Southern Cross was revamped by the Civic Nexus consortium, with an innovative design by Grimshaw Architects, which features an undulating roof.
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Image: Southern Cross station.
It is located on Spencer Street between Collins and La Trobe Streets at the western edge of the central business district. It has many shops and food courts.
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Image: Southern Cross station.
The third busiest railway station in Melbourne, it also has a coach terminal under the shopping complex, from which operates the Skybus Super Shuttle service to Melbourne Airport.
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Image: Madrid Atocha.
7. Madrid Atocha (Spain) This is the largest railway station in Madrid. Intercity and regional trains from the south, and the AVE high speed trains from Barcelona pass through this station.
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Image: Madrid Atocha.
Spanish architect Rafael Moneo created a beautiful garden in the station complex. It also has a nightclub.
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Image: Passengers board the first AVE train linking Madrid to Barcelona at Madrid's Atocha station.
Photographs: Paul Hanna/Reuters.
These train services are run by the Spanish national rail company, Renfe.
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Image: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai.
Photographs: Fayaz Kabli/Reuters.
8. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (India) One of the most attractive buildings in India, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is located in Mumbai.
Built during the British era, it is a perfect blend of Victorian Gothic revival and traditional forms of Indian architecture.
Both suburban and long distance trains are operated from here.
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Image: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Opened in 1887, it is also headquarters of the Central Railways. UNESCO has listed it among the World Heritage sites.
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Image: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Designed by architect Frederick William Stevens, it took ten years to complete this landmark building. It was initially named Victoria Terminus in honour of Queen Victoria.
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Image: View of Antwerp's new central railway station after its restoration.
Photographs: Francois Lenoir/Reuters.
9. Antwerp Central Station (Belgium) The Antwerp Central Station is one of the world's most impressive railway stations. The 'railway cathedral' was built between 1895 and 1905.
The railway complex is spread across over 400 metres (1300 ft), has two entrances, a historic domed building at the Astrid square and a modern atrium at the Kievit square.
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Image: Antwerp Central Station.
A shopping centre and a diamond gallery with more than 30 diamond shops make it a shopper's paradise too.
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Image: Antwerp Central Station.
While the main building was designed by architect L. Delacenserie, the huge glass vault is the creation of architect J Van Asperen.
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Image: Eurostar passengers queue outside the terminal for trains at St Pancras station in London.
Photographs: Luke MacGregor/Reuters.
10. St. Pancras Station (UK) Designed by Gilbert Scott, St Pancras Station in London, is 243 feet wide and 600 feet long.
St Pancras International Railway Station is home to the Eurostar for services to Brussels and Paris.
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Image: A restaurant at the station.
The station has Europe's longest champagne bar, shops, restaurants and cafes.
One of the greatest Victorian buildings in London, the station also offers a great shopping experience. It is also a perfect place for filming, photography and hosting events.
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Image: St Pancras Renaissance Hotel.
The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is hailed as London's most romantic building.
The glorious Gothic Revival metalwork, gold leaf ceilings, hand-stencilled wall designs and grand staircase are amazing.
It was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott to receive travellers through St Pancras International station.
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