SpotGenie Fact: India’s Railway Station With the Shortest Name - Ib

Indian Railways is famous for its long station names, some stretching across entire signboards.
But tucked away in eastern India is a station that stands out for the exact opposite reason.

Meet Ib (इब) Railway Station, one of the shortest-named railway stations in India.

Where Is Ib Railway Station Located?

• Station Name: Ib
• State: Odisha
• Railway Zone: South Eastern Railway
• Nearby Area: Jharsuguda district region
• Station Code: IB

Despite its tiny name, Ib sits on an important mineral and freight-rich rail corridor.

Why Is the Name “Ib” So Short?

The station is named after the Ib River, a tributary of the Mahanadi River.

Unlike many stations named after towns or cities, Ib derives its identity purely from local geography, resulting in its minimal two-letter name.

Why This Is a Rare Naming Anomaly

• Most Indian station names are based on:

  • Cities
  • Towns
  • Temples
  • Historical figures

• Ib breaks the pattern:

  • Named after a river
  • No suffix like “pur”, “nagar”, or “gaon”
  • Just two characters

This makes it one of the shortest station names across the entire Indian Railways network.

Operational Importance Despite the Short Name

Ib may have a tiny name, but it plays a role in:

• Coal and freight movement from Odisha’s mineral belt
• Passenger connectivity in western Odisha
• Supporting industrial rail traffic in the region

Short name. Serious railway relevance.

In a network where names often run long, Ib proves that identity doesn’t need length.
Sometimes, two letters are enough to earn a permanent spot on India’s railway map.

SpotGenie

Just like clear station names help travelers navigate massive rail networks, SpotGenie Smart Vehicle Tags simplify vehicle identification, making it easier for people to contact vehicle owners during parking issues or emergencies.

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