Begunkodar Railway Station in West Bengal’s Purulia district has captivated India’s imagination for decades as one of the country’s most infamous “haunted” locations. The station’s eerie reputation led to its abandonment for 42 years before reopening in 2009, but questions remain: Is there any truth to the supernatural claims, or was this an elaborate hoax? This article separates fact from fiction while exploring the station’s fascinating history and cultural impact.
The Origins of a Ghost Story
Constructed in 1960 through the efforts of Santhal queen Lachan Kumari, Begunkodar Railway Station initially served as a vital transport link for local communities . For seven years, it operated normally until 1967 when the station master reported seeing a ghostly woman in a white saree wandering the tracks at night .
According to local lore, this spectral figure was believed to be the spirit of a girl who had committed suicide on the railway tracks . The story took a darker turn when the station master and his family were later found dead under mysterious circumstances . These events triggered mass panic among railway staff, leading to:
- Refusal of employees to work at the station
- Trains ceasing scheduled stops
- Eventual official closure by railway authorities
The 42-Year Abandonment
From 1967 to 2009, Begunkodar Station stood as a decaying relic of fear and superstition. Despite being located along active rail lines, trains would pass through without stopping, and the station buildings fell into disrepair . The haunted reputation became so entrenched that:
- Indian Railways officially listed it among India’s 10 most haunted stations
- No railway personnel could be convinced to take postings there
- Local villagers avoided the area, especially after dark
The Rationalist Investigation
In December 2017, a team of nine rationalists from Paschim Banga Bigyan Mancha conducted an overnight vigil at the station with police protection . Armed with cameras, compasses, and other monitoring equipment, they found:
- No evidence of paranormal activity
- Strange noises at 2 AM traced to local men hiding in bushes
- Suspicion that these individuals were scaring tourists to rob them
Purulia’s Superintendent of Police Joy Biswas responded by increasing night patrols and public awareness campaigns to dispel the myths .
Political Dimensions and Reopening
The station’s 2009 reopening by then-Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee came after decades of local petitions . However, deeper investigation reveals:
- Railway employees may have fabricated stories to avoid postings in this Naxal-affected border area
- Local politics kept the station closed as reopening became an election issue
- Despite reopening, no permanent railway staff are stationed there
Ghost Tourism Phenomenon
The haunted reputation has ironically become Begunkodar’s biggest draw:
- Urban youth visit for nighttime “ghost hunting” adventures
- Local vendors profit from the supernatural notoriety
- Nearby attractions like Rasmancha temple and Muruguma Dam see increased visitors
Verdict: Myth or Reality?
While the station’s haunted status made it into official records, evidence suggests:
✅ The original ghost sightings were likely fabrications or misinterpretations
✅ Local elements exploited the legend for financial gain through tourism and theft
✅ Political and security concerns contributed to the prolonged closure
❌ No scientific evidence supports paranormal claims
FAQ Section
Q: Why was Begunkodar Railway Station closed?
A: It was closed in 1967 due to staff refusing to work there after reports of ghost sightings and the mysterious deaths of the station master’s family .
Q: How long was Begunkodar Station closed?
A: For 42 years, from 1967 until its reopening in 2009 by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee .
Q: Is there really a ghost at Begunkodar?
A: Scientific investigations found no evidence of paranormal activity, suggesting the hauntings were either hoaxes or natural phenomena misinterpreted .
Q: Which trains stop at Begunkodar now?
A: Around 10 trains including Ranchi-New Delhi Rajdhani, Patna-Ranchi Jan Shatabdi, and Howrah-Ranchi Shatabdi make stops .
Q: Why do people still believe it’s haunted?
A: The legend persists due to cultural memory, ghost tourism promotion, and some locals possibly maintaining the myth for economic benefits .
Q: What other attractions are near Begunkodar?
A: Visitors can see Rasmancha temple’s architecture, Muruguma Dam, and nearby waterfalls like Bamni and Turga .
conclusion
The Begunkodar story serves as a fascinating case study in how folklore, politics, and human psychology can transform an ordinary railway station into a nationally famous mystery. While the ghost tales have been debunked, they’ve left an indelible mark on India’s cultural landscape and demonstrate how myths can take on lives of their own.