5 Indian Railway Stations That Take You To Other Countires
If you love travelling by train, how about travelling from India to another country via train? It's not an impossible idea, trust us. India shares borders with seven countries, and while most borders can be crossed by road or air, there are also train options, which means you can travel by train to some of these neighboring nations. Curious by now? Read on to find out the five Indian railway stations that serve as gateways to international destinations, offering a unique cross-border travel experience.
1. Haldibari Railway Station
Haldibari Railway Station, situated about 4.5 km from the Bangladesh border in West Bengal, plays a vital role in connecting India and Bangladesh through Chilhati Station. This rail link was officially opened in December 2020, with the Mitali Express commencing its service in 2021. Starting from New Jalpaiguri Junction, the train travels to Dhaka, with a stop at Haldibari.
2. Petrapole Railway Station
India's busiest border railway station, Petrapole, connects India with Bangladesh and is situated in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. It is the starting station for the Bandhan Express, which runs between Kolkata and Khulna in Bangladesh, and serves as an essential transit hub for both passengers and freight. The trip provides an interesting perspective of the Indo-Bangladesh border, but passengers must have a valid passport and visa in order to join the train.
3. Jaynagar Railway Station
Jaynagar Railway Station, situated in Bihar's Madhubani district, lies just 4 km from the India-Nepal border. It connects to Nepal through Kurtha Station in Janakpur. With the recent restoration of passenger rail service between the two countries, travelers can now enjoy cross-border journeys without needing a passport or visa. This development has significantly eased travel and strengthened connectivity between India and Nepal.
4. Singhabad Railway Station
Located in West Bengal's Malda district, Singhabad serves primarily as a freight transit station, playing a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of goods between India and Bangladesh. Its strategic connection to Rohanpur Station in Bangladesh and its significance as a hub for freight trains bound for Nepal streamline cross-border trade. While passenger train services are limited, Singhabad remains a key player in bolstering India's commercial ties with neighboring countries.
5. Radhikapur Railway Station
Radhikapur, situated in Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, serves as a zero-point railway station on the Indo-Bangladesh border and a crucial transit hub for freight and goods. It directly connects to Bangladesh's Biral Railway Station, enabling seamless trade between India’s Assam and Bihar states. Focused primarily on freight operations, Radhikapur plays a pivotal role in strengthening the India-Bangladesh rail network and fostering economic cooperation. Its strategic position makes it a key asset in regional trade and logistics.