The Khyber Pass Railway, Pakistan

[RobertP]

I recently took a road day trip (3 Nov 2024) from Peshawar to the top of the Khyber Pass. Running alongside the road is the historic Khyber Pass Railway. I was dismayed by its state of disrepair. Given that November 2025 marks the railway's centenary, I've begun discussions with local stakeholders about organizing a celebration and exploring possibilities for its rehabilitation.

These stakeholders include Pakistan Railways' managing director, tourism consultants, and steam railway enthusiasts in Pakistan. They have all shown promising interest in both a centenary celebration and restoring at least a section of the line.

While these discussions are progressing at the national level, I believe an international network could strengthen this initiative. I would value thoughts forum members might have.



I’ve attached some photos of the rail track and the last station, Landi Kotal Railway Station. The Landi Kotal station is built in a very unique fortress like architecture. There are no windows or doors on the forbidding facade facing the platform. It is located close to the border with Afghanistan.

 

[70014IronDuke]

I recently took a road day trip (3 Nov 2024) from Peshawar to the top of the Khyber Pass. Running alongside the road is the historic Khyber Pass Railway. I was dismayed by its state of disrepair. Given that November 2025 marks the railway's centenary, I've begun discussions with local stakeholders about organizing a celebration and exploring possibilities for its rehabilitation.

These stakeholders include Pakistan Railways' managing director, tourism consultants, and steam railway enthusiasts in Pakistan. They have all shown promising interest in both a centenary celebration and restoring at least a section of the line.

While these discussions are progressing at the national level, I believe an international network could strengthen this initiative. I would value thoughts forum members might have.

When I took the FO train back in November 1980 (two Pakistan 0-6-0s, I think it was), it was, so my surprise, rather full.
I think I was the only person to actually buy a ticket at Peshawar station booking office though. (I should have kept it, it was probably only number 0012 or some such )

... I’ve attached some photos of the rail track and the last station, Landi Kotal Railway Station. The Landi Kotal station is built in a very unique fortress like architecture. There are no windows or doors on the forbidding facade facing the platform. It is located close to the border with Afghanistan.

I think I jumped out of the train at the one station out of Peshawar, so never made it to Landi Kotal (at least, not by rail) - but if you know anything about the history of the area, you'll know why it's built like a fort - it almost certainly acted as one in the days of British India.

And, bizarrely, although Landi Kotal is the de facto border, where you would get your visa checked if going into Afghanistan*, AFAIK no Afghan government has ever actually recognised the Durand line, drawn up in the early 1900s at the border by, er, Mr Durand.

* Of course, if you were a local, you just walked up the hills and crossed by one of the unguarded tracks.