Pindi's century-old track comes alive

A two-coach freight train has completed a test run on a historic railway track laid during the British era, travelling from the station to the 502 Workshop through the Kacheri Chowk underpass after a prolonged gap.

The trial run was aimed at testing the safe movement of the train and the transportation of workshop equipment, with the journey successfully completed.

The railway track, laid in 1892, is around 124 years old and extends from the station only up to the historic 502 Workshop.

It was originally constructed during the British period to meet military requirements and, despite more than a century of use, has retained its strength, according to the report.

The track is said to have remained in remarkably good condition, with none of its components, bolts or fittings reported to have weakened or rusted. Its structural strength remains largely intact, as it was on the day it was laid.

The track continues to serve the same military requirements for which it was originally constructed. Its route was narrowed at the Kacheri Chowk underpass, and it now runs between the underpass, an overhead bridge and the main road, creating an unusual and visually striking scene for commuters and visitors.

The sharp sound of the train as it passed through the area attracted the attention of motorists, motorcyclists and pedestrians travelling along the overhead bridge, through the underpass and on the main road.

A large number of people, including lawyers and litigants, learned for the first time that a railway track passed through the area and that trains were once again using it. Many residents watched the train pass after a long interval and appeared to enjoy the unusual sight.

The track is considered highly important from a military perspective.