Begunkudar Railway Station: A Haunted Tale or Mere Superstition?

Purulia : The Purulia district of West Bengal, known for its natural beauty, hills, and waterfalls, is also home to a station that has captured national attention—not for its connectivity, but for its eerie reputation. The Begunkudar Railway Station is infamous across India as a “haunted station,” feared by both passengers and railway staff.

Historical Background

Begunkudar Station was inaugurated in the 1960s. Located on the Adra–Jhalda rail section, it was expected to improve connectivity for nearby villages. However, soon after its opening, mysterious incidents gave it the tag of a “haunted station.”

The First Ghostly Incident

According to local tales, a woman’s spirit was seen at the station. Villagers claimed she often appeared in a white saree, wandering near the platform and railway tracks. Many believed this was the spirit of a Santhal tribal woman who had died tragically in a train accident.

Passengers and railway staff repeatedly reported sightings of this figure at midnight. Even train drivers claimed to have seen a woman standing on the tracks, who vanished as they approached.

Deaths and Fear Among Officials

It is believed that during the 1960s, a station master and a few railway officials died under mysterious circumstances. One station master allegedly quit his job out of fear, while another reportedly died of a heart attack. These events deepened the belief that the station was indeed haunted.

Abandoned for 42 Years

Due to these incidents and spreading rumors, the railway authorities shut down Begunkudar Station by the late 1960s.For nearly 42 years, it remained abandoned. Trains passed by but never stopped, and locals avoided the area at night, fearing supernatural presence.

Local Beliefs

Villagers claimed that strange sounds could be heard after dark—sometimes cries, sometimes the whistle of a phantom train. Some reported seeing a lantern glowing mysteriously at midnight, or a woman in white roaming the station.These stories passed down through generations, cementing its image as a “ghost station.”

Reopening in 2009

Times changed, and in the 2000s, after surveys and public demand, the government decided to revive the station.
In 2009, Begunkudar Railway Station was reopened with much fanfare. Trains began halting again, and railway officials dismissed the ghost stories as baseless superstitions.

Lingering Fear

Yet, even after reopening, fear remains:

• Few passengers stay here after sunset.

• At night, the platform often lies deserted.

• Railway employees admit feeling uneasy during night shifts.

From Fear to Attraction

Ironically, the “haunted” image has now turned Begunkudar into a tourist attraction. Thrill-seekers and curious youngsters flock here to experience the so-called ghost station. Some travel agencies even promote it as part of “haunted station tours.”

Administration and Railway’s Stand

Railway and district officials consistently deny supernatural claims. According to them:

• The closure was due to rumors and hesitation among staff, not paranormal activity.

• For decades, the station was a victim of fear and superstition.

• Today, it is fully operational and safe for passengers.

Cultural and Social Aspect

In India, ghost stories often grow around deserted places, especially railways. Silent platforms, dim lights, and late-night trains create an atmosphere where fear-driven folklore thrives.Begunkudar seems to be another product of such collective imagination.

In Media and Folklore

The story of Begunkudar has been featured in newspapers, TV programs, and now widely circulates on social media.

• It is frequently called “India’s most haunted railway station.”

• Numerous YouTubers and documentary makers have covered it.

• In local folklore, the story is still told to frighten children.

Present-Day Reality

Today, trains stop at Begunkudar daily, and passenger numbers are rising. Yet, at night, silence and unease still linger over the station. Authorities have improved lighting and security, ensuring comfort for travelers.

The tale of Begunkudar Railway Station is a fascinating mix of superstition and folklore. It shows how fear and rumors can shape the destiny of a place—leaving it abandoned for four decades. Even now, despite being reopened and declared safe, its identity as a “haunted station” continues to define it.