The World's Smallest Railway Stations: A Journey Through Miniature Trains

The smallest railway stations in the world are oftentimes mere platforms with minimal amenities, attracting interest for their uniqueness and charm. Whether based on Guinness World Records or local and historical significance, these tiny stations hold a special place in railway lore. Let's explore the contenders for the title.

The Smallest Railway Station in India

In India, the smallest railway station is often cited as Nawadih Railway Station, located in Jharkhand. This diminutive station, despite being well-known, does not fit the strict definition offered by Guinness World Records. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the title for the world's smallest railway station belongs to Curriehill Railway Station in Scotland.

The Guinness World Records Title Winner: Curriehill Railway Station

Curriehill Railway Station in Scotland is officially recognized as the world's smallest railway station. It is a request stop located on the Edinburgh-Glasgow line, consisting of a single platform, and managed without a staff member. The station offers limited services to a few passengers and is notable for its tiny size and minimal facilities. This unique structure attracts many curious travelers and railway enthusiasts who wish to see an iconic mini-metropolis in action.

Historical Short Stations in NYC

While the world's smallest stations are usually found in less urban settings, some of the earliest designs in New York City showcased comparable miniature stations. For instance, during the initial construction of the New York City Subway, some stations were designed to fit smaller trains.

The Staten Island Railway had a station in disrepair that used just a single doorway on one car for boarding. This unique station is now long gone, but it stands as a testament to early subway station designs.

Original NYC Subway Stations

The IRT Now Division A line, originally spanning from 145th Street and Broadway across 42nd Street to City Hall, was designed for five-car trains. As the subway system expanded, many of the original short platforms were extended to accommodate longer trains. However, some of the original stations retained their shorter dimensions.

The original City Hall station, for example, is still intact and can be seen on the 6 train, which passes through it on its way uptown. It features loops that allow the train to retrace its path after passing through, making it an interesting historical sight. More information is available here.

Other short stations on the 4, 5, and 6 lines, such as Worth Street and 18th Street, were closed but can still be seen from passing trains. These stations now allow trains up to ten cars to pass through them.

Interestingly, the original South Ferry station, located on a loop, was only five cars long and in use until it was replaced by a newer station. This new station was flooded during Superstorm Sandy, causing temporary closure. Today, passengers on the 1 line who wish to exit at South Ferry must board in the first five cars of the train to get to the loop.

Conclusion

While Nawadih Railway Station in India may be celebrated as the smallest in India, Curriehill Railway Station in Scotland holds the world record according to Guinness World Records. These tiny stations may lack in space, but their significance in railway history makes them stand out. From unique platforms to historical platforms that have stood the test of time, miniature train stations continue to fascinate and intrigue travelers worldwide.