By Shiraz Hassan

The Golra Sharif Railway Station, located on the outskirts of Islamabad, provides a glimpse into the past. A tarmac road leads to the station but in the end you need to ask your way around.

The station welcomes visitors with its panoramic view of old banyan trees, steam engines, a small Victorian-style building and serene environment.

Established in 1881 and upgraded to a junction in 1912, the Golra Sharif Railway Station has been used by the residents of the surrounding villages for over a century.

Today, the Golra Sharif Railway Station is known more for the Railway Heritage Museum it houses than for being a stop for travellers. Established in October 2003, the museum is truly one of its kind. Not limited to a closed hall, it includes old locomotive trains, steam engines, and lifters stationed at the platform.

According to Haq, between 20 and 30 people visit on weekdays while weekends are busier, with the number rising to a hundred people. Schools also bring students. The museum charges 10 rupees as entry fee, which is actually a platform ticket.

For the full article: Footprints: A railway station steeped in history