Sibi-Zardalu Branch Line

Sibi-Zardalu Branch-Line
Native name
سبی-خوست برانچ لائن
IndustryRailways
PredecessorKandahar State Railway (1881-85)
Founded1881
Area served
Balochistan
ServicesRail transport
ParentNorth Western State Railway (1886-1905)
North Western Railway (1905-1947)
Pakistan Western Railway (1947-1971)
Pakistan Railways (1971-Present)
Legend
km
0
 Sibi Junction
on Rohri-Chaman Railway Line
12
 Nari
24
 Tanduri
35
 Babar Kachh
47
 Kuchali
67
 Spintangi
78
 Sonari Halt
93
 Harnai
104
 Nakus
118
 Sharigh
132
 Khost
140
 Zardalu


The Sibi-Zardalu Branch Line, previously known as Kandahar State Railway opened in 1881, originally ran from Sibi and then on wards to Rindli, with the intention to reaching Quetta and onwards to Kandahar.[1] However, the line never reached Kandahar.[2] The Kandahar State Railway had its headquarters at Sibi, Balochistan. The Kandahar State Railway joined with the southern section of the Sind–Pishin State Railway and in 1886 amalgamated, with other railways, to form North Western State Railway (NWSR). The total length of this line is 140 kilometers with 10 railway stations. The railway line was closed in 2006 after a terrorist attack. Rehabilitation work started in 2016, and after long delays the railway line became operational in 2023 up to Harnai.

History

From Sibi, the line ran southwest, skirting the hills to Rindli, and originally followed the course of the Bolan stream to its head on the plateau. The destructive action of floods, however, led to the abandonment of this alignment. The railway now follows the Mashkaf Valley. The Bolan Pass Railway construction enabled this NW route to be selected. The railway line was abandoned by Pakistan Railways in 2006 due to floods. Rehabilitation work started on the railway line in 2015. Following several delays, the line became part-operational in 2023.[3]

Locals Problems

When the railway line was closed in 2006 due to terrorist attacks, locals have been facing travelling problems. As there is no direct road which connects Sibi to Harnai and further, locals have to go to Quetta first and then they go to their original destination. Using the railway makes a much simpler journey for local people.

Stations

Abandoned Section

Personnel

  • Henry Francis Storey: 1880, Engineer-in-Chief of the Jacobabad section. 1881, appointed Engineer-in-Chief. 1883, promoted to the Superintendent of Way and Works.
  • Hugh Lewin Monk: deployed from the Railway Branch of the Public Works Department to Kandahar State Railway until 1881.

See also

References

  • The spelling of Scinde, Punjaub & Delhi Railway is variable. Scinde and Punjaub are the spellings adopted in the legislation - see "Government Statute Law Repeals 2012" pages 134-135, paragraphs 3.78-3.83.[4]
  1. ^ "Stealth in Steel: Kandahar State Railway" by Salman Rashid March 28, 2013.; Retrieved 2 May 2016
  2. ^ Google Books "Kipling and Afghanistan: A Study of the Young Author as Journalist Writing ..." by Neil K. Moran 2005 page 18; Retrieved 12 Dec 2015
  3. ^ https://ptv.com.pk/ptvWorld/engNewsDetail/50664
  4. ^ H.M. Government “Statute Law Repeals: Nineteenth Report : Draft Statute Law (Repeals) Bill; April 2012"; pages 134-135, paragraphs 3.78-3.83 Retrieved on 14 Jun 2016