Karachi Cantt Station: History, Location, and More (Updated 2024)

 

Karachi Cantt Station: History, Location, and More (Updated 2023)

Karachi Cantt City Station is one of the most important and busiest railway stations in Pakistan, located near Dr. Daudpota Road, Saddar, Karachi Cantt. It was built in 1898 and has a rich history and heritage. It is one of the country’s oldest and busiest railway stations, serving as a major transportation hub for travellers going to and from Karachi.

The station is operated by Pakistan Railways and offers a range of facilities to passengers, including waiting rooms, ticket counters, refreshment stalls, and restrooms.

History of Karachi Cantt Station

The Karachi Cantt Station was originally called Frere Street Station and was built between 1896 and 1898. It was part of the Scinde railway network that connected Karachi’s port to the rest of the country.
The station has a colonial-style architecture with a high-arched ceiling and a grand facade. Due to its historical significance, the station is now a protected heritage site by the Sindh government

Role in the British Raj era

The Karachi Cantt Station played a vital role in the British Raj era as it was the main railway junction for trade and travel in the region. It also served as a military base for the British troops stationed in Karachi.
The station witnessed many historical events, such as the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi in 1916, the departure of Lord Mountbatten in 1947, and the assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan in 1951.

Changes and developments over time

The Karachi Cantt Station has undergone many changes and developments over time to cope with the increasing demand and population of the city. Its platforms, tracks, and facilities have expanded to accommodate more trains and passengers.
It has also modernised its services and amenities such as ticketing, cargo, security, and food outlets. The station is now one of Pakistan’s busiest and largest railway stations and serves as a hub for intercity and suburban trains.

Facilities and Services

Karachi Cantt Station has all basic facilities for passengers and visitors. It has current and advanced reservation offices for Pakistan Railways and cargo and parcel facilities. It also has retail shops on platform 1, including restaurants such as Rehmat-e-Shereen and Pizza Hut.
The station has five platforms and eight tracks and can accommodate up to 56 trains per day. The station operates trains to different cities of the country, such as Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Quetta, and more. Some of the famous trains that stop at Karachi Cantt Station are:

Train Number	Train Name	Origin	Destination
27 UP	Shalimar Express	Terminus	Lahore
11 UP	Hazara Express	Karachi City	Havelian
13 UP	Awam Express	Origin	Peshawar Cantt
151 UP	Shah Latif Express	Karachi City	Mirpur Khas
29 UP	Sindh Express	Terminus	Multan Cantt
47 UP	Rehman Baba Express	Terminus	Peshawar Cantt
45 UP	Pakistan Express	Terminus	Rawalpindi
09 UP	Allama Iqbal Express	Terminus	Sialkot
31 UP	Jinnah Express	Terminus	Lahore
41 UP	Karakorum Express	Terminus	Lahore
33 UP	Pak Business Express	Terminus	Lahore
149 UP	Mehran Express	Karachi City	Mirpur Khas
15 UP	Karachi Express	Terminus	Lahore
17 UP	Millat Express	Terminus	Malakwal
07 UP	Tezgam Express	Terminus	Rawalpindi
25 UP	Bahaudin Zakriya Express	Karachi City	Multan Cantt
03 UP	Bolan Mail Express	Karachi City	Quetta
43 UP	Shah Hussain Express	Terminus	Lahore
37 UP	Fareed Express	Karachi City	Lahore
19 UP	Khushal Khan Khattak Express	Karachi City	Peshawar Cantt
35 UP	Sir Syed Express	Terminus	Rawalpindi
05 UP	Green Line Express	Terminus	Islamabad
01 UP	Khyber Mail Express	Terminus	Peshawar Cantt
145 UP	Sukker Express	Karachi City	Jacobabad
405 UP	Thar Express	Terminus	Zero Point

Tips for Travelers Karachi Cantt Station:

If you are planning to visit or use Karachi Cantt Station, here are some tips that might help you:

• The station is easily accessible by public transport, such as buses, taxis, rickshaws, and online ride-hailing services. You can also walk to the station from nearby areas such as Saddar, Empress Market, Frere Hall, etc.
• The station is open 24 hours a day, but the best time to visit is during the day when it is less crowded and more secure.
• The station has a waiting area for passengers, but it is not very comfortable or spacious. You might want to bring your own snacks and drinks, as the food options at the station are limited and expensive.
• The station has a luggage storage facility, but it is unreliable. You might want to keep your valuables with you at all times.
• The station has a security check at the entrance, where you have to show your ticket and ID card. You might also have to go through a metal detector and a baggage scanner. Be prepared to cooperate with the security staff and follow their instructions.
• The station has a public announcement system that announces the arrival and departure of trains. You might also want to check the display boards or ask the staff for information about your train schedule and platform number.
• The station has a mosque where you can offer prayers if you are a Muslim. You might also find some other places of worship nearby, such as churches and temples.
• The station is close to some of Karachi’s famous landmarks and attractions, such as Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum, National Museum of Pakistan, Frere Hall, Empress Market, etc. You might want to explore these places if you have some spare time.

 

Attraction Near Karachi Cantt Station

Here are some popular options:

Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum

The final resting place of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, is located just 7 kilometres away from Karachi Cantt Station. It is a must-visit place for anyone interested in Pakistan’s history.

Mohatta Palace Museum

A beautiful palace turned museum, the Mohatta Palace is located just 10 kilometres away from the station. It has a collection of historical artefacts and artwork.

Frere Hall

Frere Hall is a colonial-era building 8 kilometers away from the station, and it is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities. It has a beautiful garden and hosts art exhibitions.

Karachi Zoological Gardens

Located 13 kilometres from the station, it is one of the oldest zoos in Pakistan and has a variety of animals, birds, and reptiles.

National Museum of Pakistan

National Museum is a museum showcasing Pakistan’s history and culture, located 9 kilometres from the station.

Mazar-e-Quaid Park

A park located just next to the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum, it is a popular spot for families to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Pakistan Maritime Museum

A museum dedicated to the maritime museum of Pakistan located 12 kilometres away from the station. It has a collection of ship models, naval equipment, and artefacts.

Clifton Beach

A famous beach in Pakistan located 14 kilometres away from the station, it is a great place to relax, enjoy the sunset and indulge in some water sports.