Iron Horses & Empires: The History of Pakistan Railways
How a colonial experiment transformed into the lifeline of a nation — 160 years of railway heritage.
We are bringing the locomotive to the land of the lion.
— Sir Bartle Frere, Commissioner of Sindh (1850s)
The story of Pakistan Railways is not just about tracks and engines; it is the story of the region's modernization. For over 160 years, the "Iron Horse" has been the primary mover of people, goods, and culture across the lands of the Indus.
Key Milestones
The Beginning
On May 13, 1861, history was made. The first public railway line was opened between Karachi City and Kotri, a distance of 169 kilometers (105 miles). The steam locomotive chugged out of Karachi, carrying the hopes of a new industrial era.
Punjab Expansion
The Punjab Railway was established to connect Multan and Lahore, linking the seaport of Karachi with the rich agricultural plains of Punjab.
Crossing the Indus
The mighty Indus was bridged at Attock, finally connecting Peshawar to the rest of the network. This engineering marvel still stands today.
North Western Railway
The 'North Western State Railway' (NWR) was formed by merging various provincial companies. This entity would eventually become Pakistan Railways.
Independence
Pakistan inherited 8,122 route kilometers of rail network. The railway became the vehicle for the greatest migration in human history, transporting millions of refugees.
Golden Age
The railway was at its peak—profitable and reliable. Iconic trains like the Tezgam (Flying Horse) became household names across the nation.
Digital Revolution
Pakistan Railways launched e-ticketing, revolutionizing how people book seats and ushering in a new era of convenience.
Modern Era
Launch of Green Line premium service and announcement of the ML-1 CPEC upgrade project, promising bullet-train speeds on the main line.
Pakistan Railways Today
Today, Pakistan Railways remains an integral part of the country's fabric. It is affordable, safe, and connects the farthest corners of the nation. As we look to the future with the ML-1 modernization project, the legacy of those first steam engines from 1861 lives on in every journey we take.