KHYBER: The historic Landi Kotal Railway Station is attracting tourists in droves after its renovation as a unique heritage site and wonder of the British-era engineering.

The historic Khyber Pass railway track was built for logistic support and quiche transport for military purposes, the old accounts reveal.

The 52km track was built in 1920s at an approximate height of 1,200 meters through 34 tunnels, 92 bridges and culverts. According to local accounts, the train used to take passengers mostly foreign and domestic visitors from Peshawar.

Built in 1925, the historic railway station remained in poor condition for a long time. However, it was renovated as a heritage site under the instructions of Khyber IG FC North Maj-Gen Noor Wali Khan last year with an objective to attract heritage lovers. Gen Wali Khan had himself inaugurated the renovated railway station.

Mr Victor Baley, chief engineer of Peshawar-Landi Kotal railway, had taken this gigantic engineering project. The first railway engine to run on the track was named after him.

The railway track was damaged by flash floods in 2007 at several places leading to its closure. There have been several proposals and surveys to restore the railway line owing to its historical significance, but all in vain.

A train safari also continued on the track till its closure.

According to an account, Mr Victor Baley passed away before the opening of the railway track. Mrs Victor Baley was asked to run the first train to honour the legacy of her husband.

Another interesting legend goes that local tribes refused to allow the train to run on the track on the day of inauguration, arguing that their elders had allowed the British officers only to build railway track and not ply the train on it.

Ali Sajid, a visitor from Lahore, told this scribe that the railway line was wonderful, and could help boost tourism if the damaged track was repaired and train safari revived.

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2025