India’s Shortest-Named Railway Station: A Two-Letter Marvel You Might Have Missed
India’s Shortest-Named Railway Station: A Two-Letter Marvel You Might Have Missed
In a country as vast and diverse as India, railway stations come in all shapes and sizes—so do their names. From the lengthy and tongue-twisting ones to those named after legends and landmarks, railway station names are a quirky mix of history, geography, and culture. But ever thought a station’s name could be as short as just two letters?
Yes, among the thousands of stations spread across the Indian Railways network, there’s one that proudly holds the title of having the shortest name in the country. And surprisingly, most people don’t even know it exists!
A Tiny Name with a Unique Identity: ‘Ib’
Nestled in the eastern state of Odisha, there’s a railway station that goes by the name ‘Ib’ — spelled simply as I-B. That’s it. Just two letters. And yet, it’s a fully functioning stop on the Indian Railways map.
Located in the Jharsuguda district, the Ib railway station is a part of the Bilaspur division of Indian Railways. Despite its small size, it plays an important role in connecting the local region. The station has two platforms and sees regular passenger movement, proving that even the shortest-named places can have meaningful significance.
Why the Name ‘Ib’?
The name might seem unusual, but there’s a logical and geographical reason behind it. The station is situated close to the Ib River, from which it gets its name. The river itself is a tributary of the mighty Mahanadi and flows through parts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
The Ib station was established way back in 1891, making it not only unique in name but also rich in history.
Another Contender with Two Letters
Interestingly, Ib isn’t the only station with a super short name. There’s another railway station in India with just two letters in its name — ‘Od’.
Located in the state of Gujarat, the Od railway station lies on the railway route between Anand Junction and Godhra Junction. Its station code is simply OD. While it may not be as well-known as other stops on the route, it’s equally fascinating due to its minimalistic name.
These two-letter railway station names spark a kind of curiosity that reminds us how diverse and interesting the Indian Railways truly is. From stations named after gods, heroes, cities, and festivals, to ones that get their name from nearby rivers or villages — every stop has a story. And in the case of Ib, that story begins with just two letters and a river that quietly flows nearby.
These tiny names might not grab your attention at first glance, but they’re a charming reminder of how even the smallest details in India’s railway map carry stories worth knowing. Whether it’s Ib quietly nestled near a river in Odisha or Od tucked between major junctions in Gujarat, these two-letter stations are proof that sometimes, less really is more.
