Lahore: At the heart of Lahore, Walton Railway Station stands as a living testament to history, where the echoes of a bygone era still resonate. With its 150 to 200-year-old magnetic telephone system and vintage train signaling equipment, the station defies time, operating with a resilience that no modern technology can match.
This station, a symbol of historical migration, became a sanctuary for countless families fleeing India after the creation of Pakistan. For them, Walton Railway Station was more than just a stop; it was the start of a new life, a place where memories were made, and futures were forged.
The magnetic telephone system, though ancient, still performs its vital role in coordinating railway traffic. There are no screens, no digital displays—just a humble, hand-operated dial that, when turned, rings a bell at distant crossings and headquarters. That simple sound still carries weight, calling staff to action, ensuring safety, and maintaining an unbroken link to a time long past.
In addition to the magnetic phones, Walton Railway Station holds an old-fashioned signaling system, guiding trains with red and green lights, and an emergency alert system ready to spring into action when needed. There’s even a vintage wooden ticket booth, reminding visitors of the station’s enduring charm and the passage of time.
The story of Walton Railway Station began in 1865 when the first railway track from Lahore to Multan was laid. By 1918, Walton Railway Station was established, becoming the lifeblood of the region with its intricate systems, some of which remain intact today, working just as they did when first introduced.
In its heyday, Walton Railway Station saw more than 15 trains departing for cities across Punjab. These trains would pause here for a brief moment, their destinations just within reach. Today, the station is quieter, with only a few trains stopping for a fleeting moment, but its legacy continues to live on.
For those who remember, Walton Railway Station is more than just a historic site—it is a place where emotions run deep. Aslam and Imtiaz, two regular visitors, shared with Express News how they return to the station to relive memories of their youth. For them, it’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about connection. “Whenever Imtiaz visits,” Aslam says, “we come here together. This station holds a special warmth, something I can’t explain, but it brings us peace.”
Imtiaz, who lives in Mughalpura, feels the pull of Walton’s embrace. “Even though I don’t have strong memories tied to this place, there’s a magic here that draws me in every time,” he says. The tranquility of Walton Railway Station offers solace like no other place in Lahore, even with its bustling landmarks like Minar Pakistan and the Shahi Qila. Here, time slows down, and Aslam and Imtiaz find themselves reminiscing about their childhood, their youth, and even their old age, sharing tales of family and life’s trials.
Walton Railway Station is not just a relic of the past; it is a bridge to the emotional core of those who have walked its platform, a silent witness to the passage of time and the lives it touched. Its legacy is more than historical; it’s a living, breathing memory that continues to resonate with those who still find peace in its quiet corners.
