Unique Railway Station Straddling Two States in India

The Bhawani Mandi Railway Station, located at the border of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, is a fascinating site where ticket queues are in one state while tickets are issued in another. This unique station reflects the cultures of both states and has even inspired a comedy film. Discover the intriguing dynamics of this busy station, its cultural significance, and the challenges it faces due to its geographical position. Learn more about this extraordinary railway station that continues to capture the imagination of many.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 7, 2026, 17:39 IST

An Extraordinary Railway Station in India

India is home to numerous peculiar places and phenomena, some of which are hard to believe until witnessed firsthand. One such location is a railway station that may challenge your belief.

We are discussing a remarkable railway station in India that stands out for its uniqueness. If you ever need to board a train from this station, you will need to purchase a ticket. Interestingly, while you will have to queue in Rajasthan for the ticket, it is actually issued in Madhya Pradesh. Let's delve into how this works.

The Station Located in Jhalawar, Rajasthan

The railway station in question is situated in Jhalawar, Rajasthan. Its geographical positioning has made it a topic of much discussion. Trains arriving at this station are split between two states, with half of the train stationed in one state and the other half in another.

This station, known as Bhawani Mandi Railway Station, falls under the Kota division. It is uniquely positioned between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, making it the only one of its kind in India. Notably, the culture of both states is reflected at this station.

Ticket Queues in Rajasthan, Issued in Madhya Pradesh

This station, located on the border of both states, has gained attention for its unusual setup. Surprisingly, passengers must queue in Rajasthan to buy tickets, while the ticket collector is stationed in Madhya Pradesh. This is due to the ticket office being located right on the state line.

Bhawani Mandi is a busy station, with many residents from Madhya Pradesh traveling here for work. There is a notable camaraderie between the people of both states. Additionally, for residents living on the Rajasthan border, the front door of their homes opens into Bhawani Mandi, while the back door leads to Bhainsoda Mandi in Madhya Pradesh, sharing the same market.

A Film Inspired by the Station

Interestingly, a movie titled 'Bhawani Mandi Station' has been made, inspired by this railway station. Directed by Saeed Faizan Hussain, this comedy film features performances by actors like Jaideep Ahlawat.

However, it is lesser-known that this area has gained notoriety for smuggling activities. Criminals exploit the border to their advantage, often crossing between states to evade law enforcement. This has led to disputes between the police forces of both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.