FAQs On Begunkodar
Detailed Overview: Begunkodar is a small, nondescript railway station that gained international notoriety as one of India's most "haunted" places. Located in the Jhalda region of Purulia, the station was established in 1960 through the efforts of the local queen, Lachan Kumari. However, its history took a dark turn in 1967 when a station master reportedly saw a ghost—a woman in a white saree dancing on the tracks. Shortly after, the station master and his family were found dead in their quarters, sparking a wave of terror. The fear was so intense that railway employees refused to work there, and the station was officially abandoned by the Indian Railways. For 42 years, no trains stopped at Begunkodar, and it was listed in official records as a "haunted station." It wasn't until 2009 that the then Railway Minister, Mamata Banerjee, reopened the station after persistent demands from local villagers who wanted to shed the stigma and regain connectivity. Today, it functions as a regular halt for several passenger trains, though the aura of mystery remains. Rationalists and science forums have conducted overnight stays to debunk the ghost stories, attributing the sightings to shadows, local miscreants, or psychological fear. Despite the scientific explanations, the "ghostly" reputation has turned Begunkodar into a unique dark-tourism spot. Travelers visit not just for transport, but to experience the eerie silence that descends on the platforms after sunset. The station is surrounded by a vast, lonely landscape, which adds to its atmospheric charm. The local community has now embraced this fame, and the station serves as a symbol of how folklore can shape the identity of a place. While trains now run regularly, the legend of the woman in the white saree continues to be whispered by locals and travelers alike, making it a fascinating stop for those interested in the paranormal and the unexplained. :
FAQs on Begunkodar
Ans:- Answer: Begunkodar is located in the Jhalda Block of the Purulia district, near the border of West Bengal and Jharkhand. It is approximately 45 kilometers away from Purulia town. The station serves the local village of Begunkodar and is surrounded by a somewhat desolate and quiet landscape, which adds to the eerie atmosphere that fueled the ghost stories for more than four decades.
Ans:- Answer: Begunkodar is relatively close to the Ajodhya Hills, so it can be combined with a visit to the viewpoints and waterfalls there. Jhalda is also known for its scenic beauty and small hillocks. You can also visit the Murguma Dam, which is not too far away and offers a beautiful lakeside setting with trekking opportunities. The entire region is rich in natural beauty and tribal culture.
Ans:- Answer: Generally, taking photos with a mobile phone or a small camera for personal use is allowed at public railway stations in India. However, for professional filming or using heavy equipment like tripods and professional cameras, you may technically need permission from the railway authorities. Always be respectful of the passengers and the station staff while taking your photos or videos of this historic and intriguing location.
Ans:- Answer: Most of the younger generation of villagers see the "haunted" reputation as a myth or a story from the past, though some older residents might still believe in the old legends. Many locals are happy that the station is open and functional again, as it provides essential connectivity for their daily commute to work and schools in nearby towns. They are generally welcoming to tourists who come to see the station.
Ans:- Answer: No, major express trains do not stop at Begunkodar. Only a few local passenger trains and MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) trains have a scheduled halt here. If you are coming from a distant city, you would usually need to travel to a bigger station like Purulia or Muri and then take a local train or a road transport to reach this specific location.
Ans:- Answer: No, the station is no longer closed. It was officially reopened in 2009 by the then Railway Minister, Mamata Banerjee. Today, it functions as a regular passenger halt on the Ranchi-Muri-Kotshila section of the South Eastern Railway. While it is operational during the day, the "haunted" tag still lingers in local lore, and many people still avoid staying at the station for long periods after darkness falls.
Ans:- Answer: The best time to visit is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant for exploring the outdoors. The crisp, cool air and the golden winter sun make the journey through the Purulia countryside very enjoyable. Visiting during the monsoon can also be interesting as the surrounding greenery becomes very lush, though the station area might become a bit muddy.
Ans:- Answer: There are no hotels or lodges in the immediate vicinity of Begunkodar station, as it is a very small and rural area. Most visitors stay in Purulia town or at the resorts in Ajodhya Hills and visit the station as a day trip. Jhalda town, which is closer, may have some very basic guesthouses, but for comfortable accommodation, Purulia town or Bagmundi are much better options.
Ans:- Answer: There are very few facilities at the station itself. You might find a small "chai" (tea) stall or a tiny shop selling biscuits and snacks during the hours when trains are scheduled to arrive. For a proper meal, you would need to travel back to Jhalda or Purulia town. It is a good idea to carry your own water and some light snacks if you plan to spend some time there.
Ans:- Answer: Today, Begunkodar is a simple, two-platform station with a small, functional station building. It has been repainted and maintained since its reopening. There are basic benches and a small ticket counter. While it looks like many other small rural stations in India, the knowledge of its history gives it a unique character that sets it apart from other stops on the line.
Ans:- Answer: While the "ghost" stories have been debunked, visiting any remote railway station in the middle of a forest area at night is generally not advised for safety reasons unrelated to the supernatural. There is very little lighting, and the area is isolated. If you are interested in the "spooky" aspect, it is better to visit in the late afternoon and leave before it gets completely dark, unless you are in a large group.
Ans:- Answer: Yes, in 2017, a team of rationalists from the Paschim Banga Bigyan Mancha (West Bengal Science Forum) spent a night at the station with police protection to debunk the myths. They found no evidence of paranormal activity. They concluded that the "ghostly sounds" were often caused by people trying to scare others or by natural forest noises. They suggested that the stories might have been initially spread by people wanting to avoid being posted to such a remote location.
Ans:- Answer: Yes, tourists are free to visit Begunkodar station. It has become a popular spot for "dark tourism" or "ghost tourism." Many people visit out of curiosity to see the small, lonely station building and the tracks where the legendary woman in white was said to appear. It is best to visit during the day when you can also interact with local villagers who can share the folklore of the place.
Ans:- Answer: You can reach Begunkodar by taking a local train from Purulia Junction toward Ranchi or Muri and getting down at the Begunkodar halt. Alternatively, you can hire a car or take a bus to Jhalda and then take a local auto-rickshaw to the station. The road journey offers a view of the rugged Purulia landscape, characterized by small hillocks and dry deciduous forests that are typical of the region.
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