Indian railway stations that run cross-border lines to take you to other countries

We do know that India shares borders with seven countries, namely China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh; but, did you know that you can take a train to reach some of these countries? Well, here we bring to you such border stations that also serve as sightseeing places. Read on to know more.

Read more: Most scenic train journeys in South India

This railway station is located near the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal near the Indo-Bangladesh border. This railway station serves as a crucial transit point for exporting and importing goods between Bangladesh and India. Do note that one needs a valid passport and visa to take a ride on Bandhan Express that starts its journey from Kolkata station, and halts at Petrapole station before reaching Bangladesh.

Haldibari Railway Station is around 4.5 km away from the Bangladesh border, and serves as a transit point. This border station is connected to Bangladesh via the Chilhati railway station, which is around 7 km from India’s border. The Haldipur-Chilhati rail route was inaugurated in December 2020, and the Mitali Express was started on 26 March 2021, which commences its journey from New Jalpaiguri junction, halts at Haldibari, before reaching Dhaka.

You will find this railway station in the Malda district of West Bengal, through which only one passenger train runs to this station from the old Malda Station. However, this border railway station serves a crucial role in exporting and importing goods between these two territories. This station is connected to Bangladesh via Rohanpur station. Also, freight trains from Bangladesh use this station to reach Nepal.

Located in the Madhubani district of Bihar, this railway station is near the Indo-Nepal border. It’s interesting to note that this station is just 4 km away from the neighbouring country, and is linked to Nepal via the Kurtha station of Janakpur. Also, an inter-India-Nepal border passenger train runs between these two railway stations. The rail service was reintroduced recently, and people from both sides don’t need passports or visas to board this international train.

It’s a zero-point railway station, which functions as an active transit station on the Indo-Bangla border. This border railway station is usually used to transport goods from the Indian state of Assam and Bihar to Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, the rail line is connected to the Biral Railway station. As for the Indian side, the Radhikapur railway station is in Uttar Dinajpur district, West Bengal, which falls in the Katihar division.