RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Railways on Sunday revived its Safari tourist train from Golra to Attock Khurd to attract tourists and promote the culture and scenic beauty of Potohar region.

Secretary Railways Abdul Malik inaugurated the tourist train at Golra Railway Station. Railways’ Divisional Superintendent Nooruddin was also present.

The tourist train completed its journey from Golra to Hassanabdal, Attock Khurd and Attock city and surrounding areas.

The basic aim to run the train service, which was initially launched in 2021 and suspended the same year, is to help tourists from the country and abroad experience travelling through the scenic landscape of Potohar consisting of Margallah Hills, Sangjani tunnel and minor and major bridges of Chablal, Haro, Ghazi Barotha and Attock Khurd.

The train passes through the old iron girder bridge which is the most important strategic and commercial crossing on the Indus between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The inaugural function was held at the Golra railway junction, which was constructed in 1882. Pakistan Railways has also constructed a museum at the station to present the vintage of past years, especially the British rule.

The total capacity of the Safari train is 356 seats and on the first day more than 400 people arrived to ride it. The tourists visited the Golra museum and appreciated the conservation work there.

The train departed from Rawalpindi railway station at 8:15am and started its venture from Golra at 9am and after a break at Hassanabdal reached Attock in the afternoon and came back to Rawalpindi at 5pm.

The visitors were provided a variety of local delicacies, sweet lassi and popular fast-food items. The railways divisional superintendent told Dawn that the tourist train will go to Attock Khurd every Sunday through Golra and Taxila.

He said it was a joint venture of Pakistan Railways and a private company, PK-Unicorn.

He said upon arrival at Attock, a plethora of activities from river visits to camel riding and a lunch featuring local delicacies were arranged. There is at present the capacity of 356 passengers on the train but more bogies would be added to it in case of an increase the number of tourists.

Speaking at the inaugural function, the secretary railways said the Safari train was an important initiative to promote culture and beauty of the country.

He said it would be a source of recreational activities and help promote tourism in the area. Such a train service also should be launched in other areas of the country, he added.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2024