Did You Know About India's Smallest Railway Station?

India has approximately 7,842 railway stations dotted all over the country, making the network one of the largest rail systems in the world. The network continues to grow as the addition of semi-high-speed trains like Vande Bharat and the revamp of existing and construction of entirely new railway stations, such as Bhopal’s modern Rani Kamalapati, chugs along in earnest.

At Outlook Traveller, we have covered the greenest railway stations to the oldest railway stations in the country. But did you know about India’s smallest railway station?

That’s right: the Banspani railway station (BSPX) in the Joda Municipality Town of Odisha is India’s smallest railway station, measuring just 140 m in length. The station has only one platform, meaning that you won’t have to look at a signboard to know which platform your train will be arriving at.

Located amidst lush natural beauty, the station is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, making it a quaint and scenic spot for travellers. The station's remote location and small size contribute to its tranquil and quiet atmosphere, offering a stark contrast to the bustling, larger railway stations found in urban areas.

Because of its size, the Banspani railway station is incapable of accommodating an entire express train, so only short passenger trains or select coaches stop there. The station also has minimal facilities, with a basic waiting area and limited passenger services, reflecting its role as a transit point rather than a major hub.

However, despite its modest dimension, Banspani plays a crucial role in connecting remote regions of Odisha, particularly in the Keonjhar district, to the larger railway network. In fact, the station was built to support the transportation of minerals such as iron ore, which is abundantly found in the region.

The railway station is also a lifeline for residents, offering connecting rural settlements with larger towns and cities.

Train Services To Banspani Railway Station

• Brahmapur-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express (20892)

• Barbil-Puri Express (18415) and the Puri-Barbil Express (18416) 

• Tatanagar-Visakhapatnam SF Express (20815)

Places To Visit Near Banspani Railway Station

Khandadhar Waterfall

One of India’s highest waterfalls is just 42 km from the Banspani railway station. Situated in a thick jungle, Khandadhar was created by a perennial rivulet called Korapani Nala. The glittering fall is 244 m in height and is said to be the highest waterfall in Odisha.

Handibhanga Waterfall

This 60-m waterfall is a popular tourist attraction and is situated in a picturesque natural environment amidst lush green forest. Because of its scenic beauty, picnickers and holidaymakers can be found relaxing here on the weekends.

Kiriburu

This is a hill station that lies on the border between Odisha and Jharkhand within the core of the Saranda forest. The word kiri means “elephant” due to the large number of pachyderms found there, while buru means “hills.” The town’s primary economic activity is mining iron ore, but visitors looking for peace and quiet will find it in its waterfalls, hills and sunset points, like Meghahatuburu.

Rourkela

Nearly 140 km from the Banspani railway station is Rourkela, the third-largest City in Odisha after Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. It is surrounded by a range of hills and encircled by the Koel, Sankha and Brahmani rivers. While it’s popularly known as the “Steel City of Odisha” due to the presence of large steel plants, its cultural heritage is what draws visitors, such as the Hanuman Vatika, the Vedavyas Temple, the Pitamahal Dam and park, and the international field hockey stadium of Birsa Munda.