Bustling, twittering, chaotic at times- railway stations in India are an important part of Indian culturescape. Offering a space where people of all walks of life come, meet and travel together, the railway stations in India are definitely more than just the platforms for catching your trains. While most of the railway stations in India might just come across as similar to each other, there are few that stand out owing to their structure, history or technology. Let us have a look at 15 railway stations in India that are unique in some ways:
1. Bhawani Mandi Railway Station - Divided between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh
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What makes Bhawani Mandi railway station a unique one is that it stands divided between the two states, i.e, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The entrance and waiting room are in Rajasthan, while booking windows in Madhya Pradesh. One for two!
2. Gorakhpur Railway Station - The World’s Longest Railway Platform
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Gorakhpur Junction Railway Station houses the world’s Longest Railway platform stretch of around 1.35 kilometres and a very important junction of Northern Indian railways. No wonder, railways are so much important to us! They cover a lot.
3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus - UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Did you know that this bustling railway terminus in Mumbai is actually a UNESCO world heritage site? Set as an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, this railway station also exhibits themes deriving from Indian traditional architecture. It's remarkable stone dome, turrets, pointed arches and eccentric ground plan are close to traditional Indian palace architecture. It might be true that most of the people who visit this railway station might be too busy to admire at its architecture, but its historicity and British architecture does stand out as unique among all.
4. Ghum Railway Station - 14th Highest Railway Station In The World
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The railway station of Ghum is the highest railway station in India and 14th in the world. Gliding at an altitude of 7,407 ft, Ghum is a meeting point of several roads like Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mongpu to name a few. Even the trains can reach such heights! Expect a lot of scenic beauty!
5. Royapuram Railway Station - Oldest Operational Railway Station In India
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Royapuram Railway Station is the oldest railway station currently operational in India (the original structures of the two older stations, Bombay and Thane, are no longer operational). Also, it is the first railway station in South India. The first train of South India started operating in June 1856 from Royapuram Railway Station.
6. New Delhi Railway Station - World’s Largest Interlocking System
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Not many who visit this railway station would be aware that New Delhi railway station holds the Guinness world record for having the world's largest route relay interlocking system. This system is put to use where multiple tracks are interlocked. It helps divert train movements during periods of high traffic volumes.
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7. Rashidpura Khori Railway Station - The Only Station Completely Run By Locals
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Although Rashidpura Khori railway station is a small village station, it is one of its own kinds in India. The station is run and operated by the villagers. The station was shut down in 2005 by Indian railway citing poor income, however the locals petitioned and conditionally pursued the railways to open the station.
8. Cuttack Railway Station - Built Like A Fort
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History and technology blend here! Recently renovated in the shape of the historic Barabati Fort which is a 14th century fort built along the Kalinga region, this railway station captures grandeur and beauty.
9. Sarnath Railway Station - Inspired By The Sanchi Stupa
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Inspired by the structure of Sanchi Stupa, this railway station inspires love for history and culture just as you enter Sarnath.
10. Manwal Railway Station - India's First 'Green Station’
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The first green station of India, the Manwal railway station is powered by solar power. Nestled in the region of Jammu & Kashmir, the station lies on the Jammu-Udhampur rail route. Following the concept of turning India green, here the lighting and fans work on the solar energy generated by the 28 solar panels installed on the station.
11. Vashi - The Commercial Complex
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A station with a built-in commercial complex/IT park, the Vashi railway station is a terminal point on the Harbour Line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway network. The building above the railway station houses has many corporate and technology offices including IRIS Business Services India Private Limited.
12. Kanpur Central Railway Station - Inspired by the Beautiful Charbagh
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Inspired by Lucknow's magnificent Charbagh, the Kanpur Central is one of the busiest stations of Indian Railways as it records traffic of more than 1.5 lakh passengers.
13. Shrirampur and Belapur - Sharing same location
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Shrirampur and Belapur are two stations which are both at the same location. They are located at Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.
14. Wellington station - Might Just remind you of New Zealand
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Don’t think that you can travel to international destinations through our railway stations! When we say Wellington station, we are talking not the one in New Zealand but there is one near the beautiful hill station- Ooty.
15. Venkatanarasimharajuvaripeta - The station with the longest name
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The longest for the last! Venkatanarasimh
So which of these railway stations you have been to? Let us know.
You may also like to read:12 Breathtaking Train Routes in India that Offer Scenic Beauty
12 Railway stations that Serve the Best Food in India!
