From tiger reserves to hill treks: ECI highlights India’s most unique polling stations

The Election Commission of India on Sunday highlighted several “unique polling stations” located in remote and difficult terrains across the country, illustrating the logistical challenges polling teams undertake to ensure every voter can cast their ballot.

We take a look at some of the unique polling stations highlighted by the poll body.

Majuli’s Dhanekhana polling station, Assam: Polling teams travel 50-60 km by ferry and road from Majuli, crossing the Brahmaputra River, to reach the remote Dhanekhana polling station. The final stretch is completed by tractor, with the booth serving 248 electors.
Edamalakkuddy remote booth, Kerala: Booth No. 34 at Edamalakkuddy in the tribal areas of Idukki district is one of the most difficult polling locations to access. Officials travel 30 km through rugged off-road terrain in specialised vehicles, followed by an 8 km trek on foot, to reach the polling station serving 693 electors.

Buxa Tiger Reserve booths, West Bengal: In Alipurduar district, polling teams trek through the hills of the Buxa Tiger Reserve to reach polling stations. The booths include Buxa (759 electors), Chunabhatti (235 electors) and Adma (445 electors).

Vellimalai hill station booth, Tamil Nadu: In the Varusanad Hills of Theni district, officials travel three hours across difficult terrain to reach the Vellimalai polling station, which serves just five electors.

Historic model polling station, Puducherry: The VO Chidambaram Pillai School, built in 1885 and once known as École Primaire de Garçons under the French system, has been designated a model polling station. It hosts two polling booths with 722 and 651 electors, respectively.