Heritage tourism : K-P to run trains to historical sites
The provincial tourism and culture authority, working in association with the Pakistan Railway, is finally set to start the Khyber Steam Safari Train system from November of this year. The project, which comes in a bid to revive the country’s coronavirus-hit tourism industry in advance of 2021, has been approved by K-P Chief Minister Mahmood Khan in a meeting with the tourism department officials. Green-lit for two routes, the steam train will cart tourists from the provincial capital of Peshawar to either the historical town of Attock Khurd or the heart of the Gandhara Civilisation in Takht-i-Bahi. Round-trips to both destination are expected to offer local and foreign tourists alike, the opportunity to experience the country’s rich history and how it’s preserved in cultures tucked away from the mainstream.
Historical destinations
The first destination of Attock Khurd is located at a distance of some 184 kilometres from the city of Peshawar, in Punjab district. It is home to the ancient Attock fort, which was constructed during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, under the supervision of Khawaja Shamsuddin Khawafi, to protect the passage of River Indus. The fort’s construction was completed in a span of two years, after which it was used as a key defense line against Afghan invaders. However, the fort was captured in 1812 by Sikhs and eventually fell prey to the British Raj, like much of the subcontinent. Another tourist attraction housed in the southern region of Attock Khurd, is a Mugha-era monument called Bahram ki Baradari. It was built by Bahram Khan in the 16th century, during his chieftaincy and is situated on G.T. Road near Attock Fort and Indus River. In its past, the town of Attock Khurd has been the stomping-ground of many royal dynasties, including the Maratha Confederacy, of which it became the northern boundary after being captured in 1758. Later, it fell under the rule of Ahmad Shah Durrani, who permanently halted Maratha Empire’s advance in the north, with the battle of Panipat.
The second route of the Safari Train, takes passengers to Takht-i-Bahi, birthplace of the ancient Gandhara Civilisation. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the Kingdom of Gandhara lasted from the first millennium BC to the 11th century AD. The empire reached its prime from first to fifth century under the Buddhist Kushan Kings. Today, the remains of the Gandhara Civilisation attract Buddhists from around the world to Takht-i-Bahi to experience the ancient archeological site.
K-P to launch safari train to attract tourists in Peshawar
What to expect
The K-P Culture and Tourism Authority will offer online registrations for tourists willing to board The Khyber Steam Safari Train. As per project proposal, tourists signing up for the safari will be offered a tour guide service, various recreational activities, refreshments and security arrangements. Moreover, the tourism authority has also asked all old train parlors to be redecorated for the latest safari project. On the other hand, Pakistan Railway will arrange steam engines for every scheduled trip on rental basis. In addition to that, it will also be responsible for the repair and maintenance of the engines as well as undertake the provision of a supporting diesel engine, should the steam engine fail or begin to malfunction.
According to Pakistan Railway Official Fayaz Khan, the railway line going from Peshawar to Attock is functional at the moment but the route from Peshawar to Takhtbhai is still in need Rs 30 million for its completion. “However, the K-P government and Pakistan Railway are working jointly to soon start steam trains as expected,” said Khan.
The cost
The cost of the Safari engines, steam and diesel, is calculated to be around Rs 590,000 for the first route leading from Peshawar to Attock Khurd. While the entire journey was expected to cost around Rs1, 555,000, with a per head cost of Rs11,500. Similarly, the second route leading from Peshawar to Takht-i-Bahi, is estimated to cost Rs525,000 for steam and diesel engines, with a passenger capacity of 135 people. The total cost for the trip is estimated to be somewhere around Rs.1,540,000, where the per head cost would be Rs. 11,500. However, it has been suggested that the current per head cost may not be affordable for many hopeful passengers and thus a recommendation to bring ticket prices down to Rs.4998 per head, has been made. The Pakistan Railway and tourism authorities are expected to manage the costs accordingly, while private companies are also being encouraged to invest in the project.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 7th, 2020.