It is one of five large intercity railway stations serving the Kolkata metropolitan region, India.

Shalimar station is situated on the western bank of Hooghly River.

The rapidly growing long-distance passengers were gradually overcrowding the Howrah station.

But due to platform limitation, increasing the number of long-distance trains was not possible from Howrah for South Eastern Railway.

The construction of platforms, station buildings, and car parking area were started.