How Halt Stations Of Indian Railways Differ From Junctions

The Indian Railways, often referred to as the lifeline of a country, plays a crucial role in transportation. India boasts the world’s fourth-largest railway network, following the United States, Russia, and China. While many have experienced the services of the railways, there are specific jargon, such as halt station, that often go unnoticed or are not well-known. A recent Quora query sought to unravel the mystery of a halt station and its distinctions from conventional stations or junctions.

According to one Quora user, a group of non-block stations includes halt stations, characterised by their small size and lack of established signals. These stations serve as points where passenger trains, as per their schedule, make a brief stop. The train then continues its journey upon obtaining permission from the train guard.

Another user clarified that in Indian Railways, halt stations are temporary arrangements for passenger boarding and deboarding. These stations lack control over train operations and are typically maintained by contractors. Trains stop at these stations based on instructions from the nearest main station.

Halt stations are designed for specific passenger trains to make scheduled stops, as highlighted in a report from Rail Restro. The duration of their stay is often not predetermined, and trains halt at these stations in the event of a line obstruction at the subsequent station. Once the line is clear, the trains proceed on their route. Notably, halt stations lack signalling systems.

In contrast, junctions represent larger terminals where trains converge and depart from various locations. Junctions serve as railway stations linking multiple lines. A junction, by definition, is a railway station that facilitates the convergence of at least three different routes. In simpler terms, a junction is formed when three railway routes meet at a single station.

While halt stations are specific points for scheduled stops of certain passenger trains, junctions are expansive terminals facilitating the convergence and divergence of trains from multiple locations.