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Indian Railways' Station That Operates For Only 15 Days, Has No Ticket Counter, No Staff
Indian Railways is one of the world's largest public transporters. India has over 7,000 railway stations, with more than 22,000 trains running daily, carrying millions of passengers. It caters to millions of passengers every day and has many larger stations as well as many smaller stations. The country’s largest railway station is Howrah Junction. While majority of the stations have daily train stoppages as per people's need, there is a station which remains deserted for whole year except for 15 days.
Anugrah Narayan Road Ghat Station
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There is a unique station in Bihar where trains halt only 15 days a year. This station, located in Aurangabad district, is called Anugrah Narayan Road Ghat Station. It's to be noted that the Anugrah Narayan Road Station and the Anugrah Narayan Road Ghat Station are two different stations.
Pitru Paksha Significance
Trains stop at Anugrah Narayan Road Ghat Station exclusively during the 15 days of Pitru Paksha, a religious period for honoring ancestors. The rest of the year, the station is completely deserted, with no staff present.
Sacred Punpun River
On the first day of Pitru Paksha, pilgrims from across the country and abroad gather at the Punpun River near Anugrah Narayan Road Ghat or Punpun Ghat to perform tarpan (prayers for ancestors). To accommodate these visitors, the railway orders certain pairs of trains to stop at the station every year.
Deserted Station
Outside of these 15 days, no train halts at the station for the remainder of the year. The station remains deserted every years, with no ticket counter, no staff peresence but its importance surges during Pitru Paksha when thousands of pilgrims arrive, prompting trains to make stops during this period.
No Ticket Counter
Despite the station being operational for these 15 days, the railways is often criticised for not making adequate arrangements for the pilgrims, including security or a ticket counter. Even though large numbers of people come to offer shraddh (ritual offerings) at the Punpun River, the necessary facilities remain absent.
Lack Of Arrangements
When the station first opened, the railway provided all essential services, but over time, these arrangements gradually disappeared, said many reports. Though the Aurangabad district administration has made some efforts to assist pilgrims, they remain insufficient.
Aurangabad In Bihar
Aurangabad, one of Bihar's 38 districts, shares its name with the city's capital. This charming city is known for its distinct culture and identity. The Magadhi-speaking residents primarily engage in agriculture and related activities as their main livelihood.
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