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India’s railway network is a marvel, connecting millions across diverse landscapes and cultures. Beyond its engineering feats, Indian Railways is also home to stations with names that spark laughter and curiosity. These quirky names, often rooted in local languages, history, or sheer coincidence, add a dash of humor to train journeys. In this article, we explore 15 Indian railway stations with names that are bound to make you chuckle, delving into their locations, meanings, and the stories behind them. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or a casual traveler, these stations will leave you smiling.
1. Kala Bakra (Punjab)
Located in Jalandhar district, Punjab, Kala Bakra translates to “Black Goat” in Hindi. This Northern Railway station (code: KKL) has two platforms and is part of the Firozpur division. Despite its humorous name, the station serves the quaint Kala Bakra village, known for its simplicity and the legacy of Indian soldier Gurbachan Singh, honored by the British. The name likely stems from local folklore or a historical reference to livestock, but it never fails to amuse passengers.
2. Singapur Road (Odisha)
No, you don’t need a visa to visit this Singapur! Situated in Odisha, Singapur Road (station code: SPRD) is a stop for express trains like the Korba-Visakhapatnam Express and Hirakhand Express. The name is a playful twist, possibly derived from a local mispronunciation or historical quirk, but it has no connection to the Southeast Asian city-state. This East Coast Railway station adds a global flair to India’s rail map, making travelers do a double-take.
3. Saheli (Madhya Pradesh)
Saheli, meaning “female friend” in Hindi, is a station in Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh (code: SAHL). Part of the Nagpur division of West Central Railway, this station, opened in 1884, has two platforms. The name might evoke giggles, especially among Hindi speakers, as it sounds like a personal nickname. However, it’s named after the nearby Saheli village, reflecting the region’s cultural warmth. Next time you pass through, you might jokingly tell someone you’re visiting your “saheli”!
4. Sali (Rajasthan)
Sali, a term for a man’s sister-in-law in Hindi, is a station in Ajmer district, Rajasthan (code: SALI). Under the Jaipur division of North Western Railway, this small station serves the Sali village, famous for the Govind Devji Temple. With only two platforms and limited train halts, Sali’s name sparks laughter due to its familial connotation. The station, operational since British times, proves that even small stops can have big humor.
5. Bap (Rajasthan)
Bap, meaning “father” in Hindi, is a station in Jodhpur district, Rajasthan (code: BAF). Part of the Bikaner division of North Western Railway, it serves the Bap village, which gained fame as a filming location for the Bollywood movie Dedh Ishqiya. The name’s origin is unclear, but it likely comes from local dialect or history. With its paternal vibe, Bap station is a quirky nod to family ties on the railway network.
6. Nana (Rajasthan)
Nana, meaning “grandfather” in Hindi, is another Rajasthan gem in Pali district (code: NANA). Governed by the Ajmer division of North Western Railway, the station’s name derives from the nearby Nana village, historically called Nanaka. The name’s evolution reflects local linguistic shifts, but its grandfatherly charm makes it a standout. Passengers can’t help but smile at the thought of visiting “Nana” on their journey.
7. Bhainsa (Telangana)
Bhainsa, meaning “buffalo” in Hindi, is a small station in Telangana’s Nirmal district (code: BSA). With limited train traffic, this South Central Railway station serves the Bhainsa town, home to about 50,000 people. The name likely reflects the region’s agricultural roots, where buffaloes are common. While the station itself is modest, its name adds a rustic, humorous touch to the rail experience.
8. Pathri (Maharashtra)
Pathri, translating to “stones” (as in kidney stones) in Hindi, is a station in Parbhani district, Maharashtra (code: PRI). Part of the South Central Railway, it sees passenger trains and an express from Amritsar to Dehradun. Named after the Pathri town, the station’s medical-sounding name is purely coincidental but guaranteed to raise eyebrows. Travelers might jokingly wonder if they need a doctor after stopping here!
9. Diwana (Haryana)
Diwana, meaning “lover” or “crazy” in Hindi, is a station in Panipat district, Haryana (code: DWNA). Under the Northern Railway’s Delhi division, it has two platforms and hosts about 10 trains daily. Despite its romantic or wild connotation, the name comes from the Diwana village. With 136 trains passing through, this busy station’s name adds a playful twist to Haryana’s rail network.
10. Daru (Jharkhand)
Daru, meaning “alcohol” in Hindi, is a station near Hazaribagh in Jharkhand (code: DRU). Part of the East Central Railway, it serves the Daru village, with no connection to liquor. The name’s origin is likely tied to local language or history, but it’s hard not to chuckle when you see it on a train board. Passengers might jokingly ask for a “daru” stop, only to find a quiet village instead.
11. Chinchpokli (Maharashtra)
Chinchpokli, sounding like a whimsical phrase, is a station in South Mumbai (code: CHG). Part of the Central Railway’s suburban network, it’s a key stop on the Central Line. The name, derived from “chinch” (tamarind) and “pokli” (hollow), reflects the area’s historical tamarind groves. Its quirky sound makes it a favorite among Mumbai commuters, who might imagine it as a Bollywood movie title.
12. Kutta (Karnataka)
Kutta, meaning “dog” in Hindi, is a station near Gonikoppal in Karnataka’s Coorg region (code: KUTT). Under the South Western Railway, this station serves a picturesque village known for its natural beauty and wildlife. The name has no canine connection but likely comes from local dialect. Travelers passing through might smile at the thought of a “Kutta” station in such a serene setting.
13. Odhaniya Chacha (Rajasthan)
Odhaniya Chacha, translating to “Uncle with a Veil,” is a station in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan (code: OCH). Part of the Jodhpur division of North Western Railway, it serves as a halt for two passenger trains. The name, evoking images of a cross-dressing uncle, is a playful combination of “odhani” (veil) and “chacha” (uncle). It’s one of the most bizarrely funny names in Indian Railways.
14. Panauti (Uttar Pradesh)
Panauti, a Hindi slang for “jinx” or “bad luck,” is a station in Chitrakoot district, Uttar Pradesh (code: PNT). With a population of about 2,197, the Panauti village is served by this small station. The name’s unlucky connotation is purely coincidental, but it’s sure to make passengers laugh or raise an eyebrow. Thankfully, no bad luck is reported for those stopping here!
15. Snapdeal.com Nagar (Uttar Pradesh)
Perhaps the most modern funny name, Snapdeal.com Nagar (code: SHNG) is in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh. Originally Shiv Nagar, the village was renamed in gratitude to Snapdeal, which installed 15 handpumps to solve the area’s water crisis. This Northern Railway station’s corporate-inspired name is a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it a hilarious standout.
Why These Names Stick With Us
These funny station names reflect India’s linguistic diversity, historical quirks, and cultural richness. Many are derived from local dialects, flora, fauna, or historical figures, while others are happy accidents of language. They remind us that travel is not just about reaching a destination but also about the stories and smiles along the way. Indian Railways, with its vast network, serves as a canvas for these delightful oddities, making every journey a little more entertaining.
Tips for Spotting These Stations
- Keep an Eye on Station Boards: When traveling by train, watch for these names on yellow station boards.
- Use Railway Apps: Apps like RailYatri or ixigo can help you track your route and spot these stations.
- Ask Locals: Station staff or fellow passengers often have amusing stories about these names.
- Plan a Quirky Route: If you’re a rail enthusiast, plan a trip that includes these stations for a fun adventure.
- Capture the Moment: Snap a photo of the station board to share the humor with friends!
Indian Railways is more than a mode of transport; it’s a treasure trove of stories, cultures, and, yes, laughter. These 15 stations with funny names—from Kala Bakra to Snapdeal.com Nagar—showcase the playful side of India’s rail network. Whether you’re chuckling at “Daru” or imagining an “Odhaniya Chacha,” these names add joy to the journey. So, next time you’re on a train, keep an eye out for these quirky stations and let them bring a smile to your face.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for entertainment purposes only and does not aim to offend any individuals, communities, or regions associated with the mentioned railway stations. The names discussed are official station names used by Indian Railways and are presented to highlight their humorous or quirky nature. All information is based on publicly available data and has been crafted to be original and free from copyrighted content. Readers are encouraged to verify details through official railway sources before planning travel. The author and publisher are not responsible for any inaccuracies or changes in station names or services.
