"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
15 May 2023
Bhawani Mandi, renowned as "The Orange City of Rajasthan" for its thriving orange market, has recently captured attention for its extraordinary railway station. India, known for its extensive railway network, has stations that are celebrated for their beauty and distinctive characteristics. Bhawani Mandi Railway Station stands out from the rest as it straddles the border between two states.
Situated in Rajasthan's Jhalwar district and Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur district, Bhawani Mandi Railway Station finds itself in a fascinating position. The engine of a train may be in one state, while the guard coach rests in the other, symbolizing the station's unique cross-state connection. Passengers are greeted by a captivating sight upon arrival—a platform sign that proudly displays "Rajasthan" on one side and "Madhya Pradesh" on the other, marking the interstate boundary.
According to Ananth Rupanagudi, a member of the Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS), the MP-Rajasthan boundary cuts through the station, running between the booking windows and the platforms. This means that travelers must acquire tickets in Madhya Pradesh and board the train from Rajasthan. Notably, Bhawani Mandi Railway Station lies on the prominent Delhi-Mumbai rail route and serves important trains such as the Rajdhani Express and the Mumbai-Jaipur Superfast Express.
Beyond its distinctive railway station, Bhawani Mandi is a captivating tourist destination. The town boasts historical and cultural significance, with the magnificent Chambal River adding to its charm.
There is another station in India - Navapur Railway Station, that embraces its dual-state identity. It is located between the Tapi district of Gujarat and the Nandurbar district of Maharashtra.
Bhawani Mandi Railway Station reflects the unity and diversity of India's railway network, where borders intertwine, seamlessly connecting regions and welcoming passengers from different states on a shared journey.