Purulia, West Bengal – Once infamous as India’s “ghost station,” Begunkodar railway station in Purulia district has transformed itself into a functioning stop on the South Eastern Railway network.
The Haunted Past
- Begunkodar station opened in 1965 but was abandoned within just two years amid widespread rumours that it was haunted.
- For nearly four decades, railway staff refused to work there, and trains did not halt even during the daytime.
- Locals recall how the stigma was so strong that families from nearby villages avoided marrying into Begunkodar.
Breaking the Myths
In 2006, residents and activists began campaigning to restore train halts. A breakthrough came in 2009, when trains started stopping again, though initially only in daylight hours.
Local doctor Nayan Mukherjee and volunteers played a key role in debunking ghost stories:
- They spent nights at the station to prove nothing supernatural existed.
- Posters were put up offering ₹5 lakh to anyone who could prove the presence of ghosts.
- Villagers also began confronting outsiders making fake “ghost videos” at the station, often driving them away.
Recent Developments
In the last few years, major upgrades have helped shed the haunted image:
- Two new platforms and a footbridge
- Electricity connection with proper lighting
- Around a dozen trains now halt daily, including late-night services
Ticket sales have risen as well. “Earlier we sold 70–80 tickets a day, now it’s 120–150,” said Amulya Mahato, who has been working at the station since 2009.
The Road Ahead
Locals are hopeful that more express trains, including the Shatabdi Express, will begin halting at Begunkodar, boosting both connectivity and employment opportunities.
Conclusion
What was once a deserted “ghost station” has today become a symbol of community resilience. Thanks to persistent efforts by locals and railway development, Begunkodar has finally moved beyond superstition to become a bustling rural station once again.
