In the heart of Sindh province, Pakistan, stands Rohri Railway Station, a testament to the region's rich transportation heritage. Established during the British colonial era, this junction has evolved from a modest stop reliant on ferries and wood-burning engines to a bustling hub connecting major cities. For history enthusiasts, train aficionados, and travelers exploring Pakistan's railways, Rohri offers a glimpse into the evolution of rail travel in South Asia. This article delves into its origins, key historical milestones, and lasting significance, drawing on verified sources to paint a comprehensive picture.
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| SPS locomotive 2964 departs from Malakwal Junction, 1981 Image provided by Lawrence Marshall |
Early Origins and the Role of Lansdowne Bridge
Rohri Railway Station's story begins in the late 19th century, intertwined with the expansion of British India's railway network. Initially, the station was located near Bhai Wasanram's garden, close to what is now known as Sati's Astana, established around 1878. Before the construction of a permanent bridge over the Indus River, trains and engines were transported across the water on large boats between Sukkur and Rohri, as no bridge existed on the Bandar Road. This cumbersome process highlighted the challenges of early rail infrastructure in the region.
The turning point came with the completion of the Lansdowne Bridge in 1889. Inaugurated on March 25, 1889, this engineering marvel was designed by British engineers and became the longest rigid girder bridge span in the world at the time, stretching over the mighty Indus River. Construction began in 1885 and involved significant challenges, including the loss of six workers' lives Named after Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, the 5th Marquess of Lansdowne and Viceroy of India, the bridge facilitated seamless rail connectivity, transforming Rohri into a regular station at its current location. The land for the station was leased for 100 years from Nawab Mir Yakoob Ali Shah, underscoring local involvement in colonial projects. For more on the bridge's engineering, see: Lansdowne Bridge: 136 Years of History.
Prior to the bridge, the railway operated under the East India Company, but control soon shifted to the Central Government. This shift marked the beginning of more structured rail operations in Sindh, with Rohri emerging as a strategic point on the map.
The Influence of Mir Ali Murad Talpur and Khairpur's Reluctance
Rohri's elevation to a junction station occurred after the death of Mir Ali Murad Talpur, the ruler of the Khairpur princely state, in 1894. Mir Ali Murad, a forceful personality from the Talpur dynasty, harbored deep mistrust toward the British due to their occupation of parts of his territory in 1843. As long as he lived, he refused to allow railway lines through Khairpur, delaying expansion in the area. His passing opened the door for the British to extend tracks, making Rohri a key junction on the Rohri-Chaman Line, which incorporates parts of the historic Sind-Pishin State Railway and passes through the famous Bolan Pass. Explore more about the colonial era in Sindh: Rohri in the British Colonial Era.
The Talpur dynasty's legacy in Sindh is profound, with rulers like Mir Ali Murad resisting colonial encroachment. His stance not only shaped local politics but also influenced infrastructure development, as the railways were crucial for British trade and military movements. Today, descendants like George Ali Murad Khan II continue to evoke the family's historical prominence, though in a modern context.
Evolution of Locomotives: From Wood-Burning Steam to Diesel Power
The early days of Rohri Station were dominated by small L-class steam engines that burned wood instead of coal. Engines would stop every two stations to load wood and water, with iron water tanks often painted red and mounted on pillars dotting the landscape. Some of these relics can still be seen today. At Rohri, a wood storage facility on the north side of Platform 4 remains as a historical artifact, originally used to fuel the engines with wagons of wood attached behind. Learn more about the junction's evolution: Rohri Railway Junction Historical Overview.
As technology advanced, steam engines transitioned to coal, then oil, before diesel locomotives took over in the mid-20th century. Pakistan Railways, inheriting assets from the Western Railway post-1947, phased out steam by the 1990s, with most engines scrapped or preserved as showpieces. For a brief period, electric engines operated on routes like Lahore to Khanewal, but diesel remains dominant today, with over 190 active units. Steam engines could pull up to 35 freight wagons, a far cry from modern efficiencies.
Passenger experiences were color-coded: first-class tickets and coaches in white, second-class in green, intermediate in red, and third-class in yellow. Journeys from Rohri to Karachi took 3-4 days for passengers, with freight trains taking even longer. Railway staff, like guards and drivers, often bid uncertain farewells to families, unsure of return dates due to unpredictable schedules.
Historical Significance and Modern Role
During World War II, Rohri played a vital role in military logistics, supporting troop movements and supplies. Post-independence, it became integral to Pakistan Railways, serving as a major stop on lines to Quetta, Karachi, and beyond. The nearby Railway Workshop in Rohri, dating back to the colonial period, maintains locomotives and preserves heritage. For more on its modern significance: Rohri Railway Station's Role in Pakistan.
Today, Rohri Junction blends history with modernity, featuring colonial architecture alongside updated facilities. It's a cultural hub where stories of past journeys echo through the platforms. For American audiences interested in global railway history, Rohri parallels U.S. icons like Union Station, showcasing how rails shaped nations.
Preserving the Legacy
Efforts to preserve Rohri's heritage include maintaining structures like the old wood store and promoting tourism. The station's role in connecting diverse regions underscores its enduring importance in Pakistan's socioeconomic fabric. Related topics include the broader history of the region: Exploring the Indus Valley Civilization and Sukkur Railway: History and Significance.
In conclusion, Rohri Railway Station is more than a transit point it's a living museum of Pakistan's railway evolution. From the engineering triumph of Lansdowne Bridge to the resistance of local rulers and the shift from steam to diesel, its history captivates. As Pakistan modernizes its rails, Rohri stands as a bridge between past and future.
References
"Rohri Yaadgaar" by Molchand Thato Mal Ramnani, Imdad Hussain Shah Rizvi, and others (Sindhi book on Rohri's memories). (No online link available, but cited in verified sources)
Wikipedia: Rohri - Link
IRFCA: Lansdowne Bridge at Sukkur - Link
Cambridge Special Collections: Construction of Lansdowne Bridge - Link
Royal Ark: Khairpur History - Link
Wikipedia: Locomotives of Pakistan - Link
Rohri Railway Junction: A Historical Hub of Connectivity in Pakistan - Link
Rohri Railway Station’s Role in Pakistan’s Development - Link
Sukkur Railway: History and Significance - Link
Lansdowne Bridge: 136 Years of History - Link
Empire to independence: The journeys of Pakistan Railways Locomotive SPS 3157 - Link
Keeping ancient locomotives from running out of steam - Link
Post: Sayed Sajjad Hussain Musavi
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Historical Sites, Transportation History, Colonial Era
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