A heritage begging to be developed as a tourist spot

A heritage begging to be developed as a tourist spot

By: Aftab Alam

Published in the News on 05-07-2010 -- can be viewed at--
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=248911

A few miles away from the Shrine of Pir Mehr Ali Shah of Golra Sharif, is a railway junction named after the saint, having no sign board to intimate the visitor about its presence, and without a proper parking lot except the shades of the trees behind a local market.

The very first impression of the station is not impressive at all. A few steps ahead and you reach the platform without any proper entrance. But the moment you cast a passing glance on the platform you start thinking that first impression is not necessarily always the last impression. A long queue of the majestic Banyan trees on the platform seem to guard the station master’s office, the adjacent heritage museum and the people on the station against the burning heat of summer

The Golra Junction Railway Station, some 1,994 feet above sea level, is located in the southeast of the Margalla Hills and east of the cradle of Ghandara civilization, the ancient city of Taxila. The station was established in 1882 and upgraded as junction in 1912, connecting Peshawar, Kohat and Havalian.

Banyan trees, with trunks newly painted white make the platform one of the most romantic and traditional platform that portray a true Victorian age surrounding for the tourists. On the left side of the platform is a hand-crane, claiming to be tested for lifting 508kg weight in 1984. The small, stone platform of the Victorian style railway station is calm, quiet and clean. The old lampposts and benches have been given a new look by painting them. You can see very few passengers on the platform as being a small station it does not observe a large gathering even when the trains arrive here on their way to Rawalpindi or Peshawar.

Items on display at the platform include a hand pump of 1901, and a Heritage Special Train’, driven by an ancient steam engine accompanied by passenger coaches. The 110-year-old narrow gauge steam locomotive, steam cranes, saloons, passenger and freight coaches. “The saloon in green paint belongs to the Viceroy-e-Hind, Lord Mountbatten,” informed the station master.

An interesting fact about the 110-year-old steam engine is that, it has been in regular use, as early as 1990 and is still in running condition. A display model of the lane changing and up and down signal has also been installed.




But due to improper facilities and lack of promotion, Golra Junction Railway Junction has failed to attract visitors even from twin cities.
Non-availability of pure drinking water and proper food outlet may leave the visitors in the lurch that may either return back or courageously face the situation during their stay at the spot, which otherwise offers tremendous joy and pleasure to people of all ages.
The natural character of the site is rich to the extent that one can sit under the trees throughout the day, fascinated by the tranquility and serenity of the atmosphere.
As the people rarely visit the museum, no one has yet set up any food outlet in the vicinity of railway station. If managed properly, the site can present spectacular recreation to capital residents. Developing a park with proper seating and other facilities may attract more visitors to enjoy this congenial atmosphere.
Cast iron bell which previously was on display has now been put inside the museum. It was made by the O.S. Bell Co., Hillsboro, Ohio, USA.The Station Master, M. Ramzan seems to be part of this heritage because of his Victorian manners, politeness and courtesy.