Prakash Kafle/Kathmandu. A small railway station in a remote area of Japan, Kyu-Shirataki Station, has presented an inspiring example to the world. Located in the Hokkaido region, the railway service passing through this station was planned to be shut down due to an extremely low number of passengers, as operating costs were high and revenue was very low.
However, this decision created a serious impact on one student’s life. The student regularly used this train to travel to and from her college, and it was her only means of reaching education. If the train service had been discontinued, her studies would have been at risk of stopping completely. Concerned about her future, she emotionally shared her situation with the railway company.
Understanding the student’s condition, the Japan Railways Group showed extraordinary humanity. Instead of immediately closing the service, the company decided to operate the train according to the student’s college schedule. As a result, the train began running regularly just for a single passenger — that student. This arrangement continued not just for a few days or months, but for three consecutive years, ensuring that she could complete her education without interruption.
Finally, on March 26, 2016, the day of her graduation ceremony, she took the train for the last time, after which the service was officially discontinued.
This incident is not just about a railway decision, but a powerful example of education, human sensitivity, and social responsibility. It shows that a developed society is not only economically strong, but also sensitive to the needs and future of its citizens. This is why Japan is considered a model nation for the world, where even one individual’s education is given high priority.
क्यु–शिराताकी स्टेशनमा मानवीयताको अद्भुत उदाहरण: एउटै विद्यार्थीका लागि तीन वर्षसम्म चलेको रेल सेवा
