Pakistan has a rich railway heritage spanning almost 200 years which it owes the British.It was in 1847 when the first railway was imagined but it was not until 1861 when it came into existence in the form of the railway built from Karachi to Kotri. Pakistan has stayed true to this rich heritage because since rail transport is possibly the most popular mode of non-independent transport in Pakistan.
Pakistan railways is a national state owned rail transport service of Pakistan,headquartered in Lahore.It is administered by the federal government under the ministry of railways.Pakistan railways provide an important mode of transportation throughout Pakistan.It is commonly referred to as the "Life line of the country" by aiding in large-scale movement of people and freight throughout Pakistan. At the time of independence ,1947 route miles (3133 km) of north western railways were transferred to India, leaving 5048 route miles(8124 km) to Pakistan.In 1954, the railway line was extended to Mardan and Charsada.
The railway station presents an interesting scene.There is a great rush at the booking windows.There is also a great rush of passengers at the inquiry office.The coolies are seen sitting in a row.As soon as a train arrives towards it. Vendors shout their wares at the top of their voices.When a train arrives,there is a lot of noise and confusion.There is a great rush at the doors of the compartments.Everyone wants to get in first.Many passengers get down from the train and many get in.After sometime,the guard blows the whistle and waves the green flag.The train moves and leaves the platform.Those who have come to receive or see off their relatives leave for home.Soon the platform wears a deserted look.
The British invented the railway and the locomotive.The rail track was laid for the trains to connect different towns and villages on the route.The train, drawn by heavy engine,would stop briefly for the passengers at places called railway station. There are obviously typical scenes at a railway station.The smart,uniformed stationmaster and his staff hurriedly move about when some train arrives or is about to leave.The platform is thronged with passengers,men ,women and children.Some stay close to their piles of luggage;others just walk about looking at colorful ads.The vendors do a roaring trade.Their brightly lit stalls or carts at different points attract passengers.There is noise and clamor all around.Meals,fruits,books,magazines,souvenirs and knick knacks sell like hot cakes.The prospect of long,arduous and tiring journey ahead worries the passengers,in summer pitchers and fans are in great demand.Water coolers and taps are the busiest spots. Such a bustle follows when the train pulls in at the platform.Some people pick their way politely along the crowded platform while others bump into one another as they go hurriedly from one compartment to other. The porters in their red shirts are seen bustling about.A hawker hurries from door to door,crying,"The Jang","The news","The nation". Such are some of the scenes at the railway station.
