Full steam ahead! Return of historic train safari to boost Peshawar tourism

Islamabad: Travellers heading to Peshawar will now be able to enjoy a traditional steam train journey that showcases the city’s spectacular views and historic sites.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincial government has announced the revival of the historic Khyber Steam Safari train service to attract tourists. The train service - the only passenger line in Pakistan still operating steam engines - is described as a “journey into time and history” but was halted in May 2007 due to security concerns.

Announcing the revival of the train service, KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan said the train would take tourists from Peshawar to two historical destinations - Attock and Takht-i-Bhai in Mardan.

Destination 1 - Takht-i-Bhai

Founded in the early 1st century, the Buddhist monastic complex of Takht-i-Bhai (Throne of Origins) is the most impressive relic in Pakistan’s Gandhara region. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1980, it offers a glimpse of the Buddhist remains in the ancient kingdom of Gandhara.

Destination 2 - Attock Khurd

Located in the region that connects Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab, the charming Attock Khurd railway station is a gorgeous Victorian era structure surrounded by Manglot mountain range. It was constructed in 1880. The impressive Attock Fort, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1581, stand tall near the bank of the Indus River.

Time travel to glorious past

Local travellers have welcomed the restoration of the safari train and described it as both an entertaining and educational experience. “The historic safari train ride, the stunning mountain landscape and the visit to ancients sites will be like a time travel to Pakistan’s glorious past. I will be on this train as soon as it opens,” Zarmeena Khan, a college student in Islamabad, shared her excitement with Gulf News.

Besides relishing the scenic views, traditional music, games and local food during the trip, several fun activities such as camel ride, tug-of-war, uphill race, archery would also be part of the train tour.

Revival of tourism

KP Secretary Tourism Abid Majeed said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority would carry out work on the two rail routes in collaboration with the Pakistan Railways. “These steps are being taken for the promotion of heritage tourism in the province and also to create employment opportunities for the youth and generate revenue,” he said.

Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) also announced a guided tour to Peshawar – the city of flowers – for those who wish to immerse in the city’s rich history, culture and cuisine.