Navapur Railway Station: A Unique Rail Hub between Two States

Indian Railways is full of fascinating facts, and one of its most intriguing stations is Navapur Railway Station, which uniquely straddles the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Located on the Surat-Bhusawal railway line, this station is divided almost equally between the two states, making it a rare and distinctive railway hub in India.

A Railway Station Divided by a State Border

Navapur Railway Station has an 800-meter-long platform, with 500 meters situated in Gujarat and 300 meters in Maharashtra. This division isn’t just a geographical anomaly; it reflects the historical roots of the station. The railway station existed before Gujarat and Maharashtra became separate states in 1960, and after the state division, its structure remained unchanged.

The Nandurbar district of Maharashtra houses one half of the station, while the other half falls in the Tapi district of Gujarat. Interestingly, the state boundary runs right through the middle of the platform, giving the station a truly unique identity.

A Wooden Bench Divided Between Two States

One of the most iconic features of Navapur Railway Station is a wooden bench placed exactly on the state border. Passengers sitting on this bench find themselves with one half of their body in Maharashtra and the other in Gujarat! This distinctive bench serves as a symbolic representation of the connectivity between the two states and is a point of curiosity for visitors.

Apart from the bench, several other station facilities are divided along the state line. For instance:

• The ticket counter and railway police station are located in Maharashtra (Nandurbar district).
• The station master’s office, waiting rooms, and restrooms fall under Gujarat’s jurisdiction (Tapi district).

This arrangement ensures that both state administrations have jurisdiction over their respective sections of the railway station, making it one of the most uniquely managed stations in India.

A Multilingual Railway Station

Since Navapur Railway Station caters to passengers from both Gujarat and Maharashtra, the station ensures seamless communication by making train announcements in four languages:

• English
• Hindi
• Marathi (spoken in Maharashtra)
• Gujarati (spoken in Gujarat)

This multilingual approach enhances convenience for travelers from both states, reinforcing the station’s role as a crucial transit point in the region.

Why Navapur Railway Station is a Must-Visit

Navapur Railway Station is not just a transit hub; it’s a living example of unity between two states. The station’s unique location, combined with its historic significance, makes it a must-visit spot for railway enthusiasts and travelers alike.

If you ever find yourself on the Surat-Bhusawal route, take a moment to stop at Navapur and experience this rare railway station that bridges two Indian states seamlessly.