Mari Indus Railway Station: A Historical Landmark of District Mianwali
A Unique Blend of Beauty and History
Mari Indus Railway Station holds a distinctive place in District Mianwali due to its beautiful and ancient architectural style and rich historical significance. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that this station is the heartbeat of the town.
The station features an old white building, charming wooden benches, classic doors and windows with vintage glasswork, a simple platform, and a tall wooden water tank. Its antique railway equipment evokes a sense of traveling back to the 1980s or 1990s, reminiscent of a distant countryside station. The station is surrounded by hills on both sides, and the mighty River Indus flows nearby, adding to its scenic beauty.
Historical Architecture and Current Condition
Built in 1891, the station’s building still retains its captivating charm after some repairs. However, several parts of the station are now unused and have been closed off. Disused train wheels and other railway equipment lie abandoned in various spots. While the station originally saw limited activity with just the “Attock Passenger” train, the addition of two new trains has slightly revived its vibrancy.
Dual Gauge Tracks: A Rare Feature
One of the station’s unique attributes is the convergence of broad-gauge and narrow-gauge tracks. On one side, the broad-gauge track connects Mari Indus to Lahore, while the narrow-gauge track once linked Mari Indus to Kalabagh, Kamar Mushani, Isa Khel, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and Tank. The narrow-gauge service is now discontinued, leaving this rare railway feature as a historical artifact.
Strategic Importance During British Rule
Under the British Crown, Mari Indus became a critical military hub with the establishment of an ammunition depot. This depot supplied weapons to troops stationed across the western frontier. Ammunition was transported via the broad-gauge track to Mari Indus, but the rugged terrain westward necessitated the construction of a 2-foot-6-inch narrow-gauge track connecting Mari Indus to Bannu. This efficient and economical rail system greatly facilitated the British military’s operations along the frontier.
Gateway to Nearby Attractions
From Mari Indus Railway Station, visitors can explore various nearby attractions, including Mianwali, Namal Lake, and Chashma Barrage on one side, and Isa Khel and Lakki Marwat on the other.
This historical station stands as a testament to its architectural heritage and its significant role in regional development during the British era.
