Kanthi railway station (Station Code: CONI) is a railway facility located in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. It serves the town of Contai (also known as Kanthi) and is situated on the Tamluk–Digha branch line. In official Indian Railways records and ticketing systems, the station is primarily identified as Contai railway station.
Administration
The station is part of the Kharagpur railway division, which is one of the four divisions of the South Eastern Railway zone of the Indian Railways.
History and Location
Kanthi railway station was developed as part of the Tamluk–Digha railway project, which was completed in the early 2000s to provide rail access to the coastal areas of West Bengal. The station is located approximately 150 kilometers from Kolkata and serves as a transit point for the Contai subdivision.
Connectivity and Services
The station is located on a broad-gauge line and is electrified. It provides connectivity between the seaside tourist destination of Digha and major railway hubs, most notably Howrah Junction in Kolkata.
Several daily express and passenger trains stop at Kanthi, including:
- Tamralipta Express: A daily service between Howrah and Digha.
- Kandari Express: A daily service between Howrah and Digha.
- Panskura–Digha Local: EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) services that facilitate regional travel.
Infrastructure
The station typically consists of three platforms and provides standard passenger amenities, including computerized reservation systems, waiting areas, and basic refreshments. It serves as a primary gateway for travelers visiting nearby coastal localities such as Mandarmani, Junput, and Baguran Jalpai.