10 Indian Railway Stations with the Weirdest Names
India’s railway network is one of the largest and most intricate in the world. It’s lifeline of the nation. Beyond its efficiency and scale, the Indian Railways is also full of surprises, particularly when it comes to station names. While some are downright hilarious, others are confusing, and a few will leave you doing a double take.
Here’s a list of 10 Indian railway stations with the weirdest names that will make your next train journey a lot more entertaining.
1. Kala Bakra (Punjab)
Located in Jalandhar district, Kala Bakra literally translates to ‘Black Goat’. While the name might raise eyebrows, the station itself is quite unassuming. Legend has it that the area was once known for a black goat considered sacred by locals.
2. Ib (Odisha)
Yes, that’s the whole name, just two letters. Located in Jharsuguda, this tiny station is often confused with the Intelligence Bureau. It’s one of the shortest station names in the country, and probably the most puzzling.
3. Bhojo (Assam)
Sounding more like a Hindi film villain’s sidekick than a place, Bhojo is a station in upper Assam. While it may not be a bustling stop, the name is enough to leave travellers chuckling.
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4. Chinchpokli (Mumbai)
A tongue-twister for non-Mumbaikars, Chinchpokli is a local station on Mumbai’s central line. The name is derived from Marathi and roughly translates to ‘place of tamarind trees’, though you might not find many there today.
5. Kala Dera (Rajasthan)
Not to be confused with Kala Bakra, Kala Dera means ‘Black Stream’. The name has a haunting vibe to it, adding a mysterious charm to this small Rajasthani station.
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6. Zimithang (Arunachal Pradesh)
Located near the Sino-Indian border, this station sounds more like a character from a fantasy novel. Zimithang’s unique name comes from the local Monpa language and reflects the rich tribal heritage of the region.
7. Belha (Chhattisgarh)
Say it aloud and you might end up giggling, Belha sounds suspiciously like Bela, the popular girl-next-door name. It’s a real station in Chhattisgarh with a surprisingly calm vibe.
8. Oddanchatram (Tamil Nadu)
This Tamil Nadu station is a linguistic roller coaster. Try pronouncing it without stumbling, it’s tougher than it looks. Oddanchatram is a hub for vegetable trade, but the name alone makes it memorable.
9. Shahbad Markanda (Haryana)
It sounds like a mash-up of two entirely different places, which, it kind of is. Shahbad Markanda combines ancient and modern influences in one long, confusing name that leaves travellers doing double-takes.
10. Sankarankovil (Tamil Nadu)
Another Tamil gem, Sankarankovil is not just difficult to spell but also hard to say quickly. Yet, it’s an important pilgrimage destination, making the station name more familiar to those in the region.
Do you know names of any other weird-named Indian railway station? Let us know in the comment box below.
