ISLAMABAD, Oct 08 (DNA):Pakistan Railways has approached the Punjab Archaeology Department for the restoration of the historic British-era Khewra Railway Station as a tourist attraction.

According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the station, which has remained non-operational since passenger services ceased in 2011, has suffered deterioration of its building, platforms and associated railway infrastructure.

The Chalisa-Khewra railway section was opened in August 1887, primarily to facilitate the transportation of rock salt, coal and other minerals, while also serving passengers from surrounding areas.
The railway played an important role in the industrial development of Khewra and the Salt Range, particularly with the establishment and expansion of industries including Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) and later Lucky Core Industries (LCI). However, with the increasing use of road transport, railway freight gradually declined from the 1990s onwards.

Passenger services eventually ceased in 2011 and the station became non-operational, resulting in deterioration of the station building, platforms and associated railway infrastructure.
Pakistan Railways has now approached the Punjab Archaeology Department for restoration of the historical Khewra Railway Station building for tourist attraction.