KARACHI: Building on the resounding success of five Thar Desert Train Safari journeys, the Sindh government on Saturday, January 31, inaugurated the Special Mohenjo-Daro Train Safari, a landmark initiative designed to promote cultural tourism and showcase Sindh’s unparalleled historical heritage.
The special tourist train was formally inaugurated by Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Provincial Minister for Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives, alongside the Secretary Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives, Mr. Khair Muhammad Kalwar and Syed Fayez Ali Shah, Managing Director of the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC). The minister termed the initiative a major step toward reviving heritage-based tourism and deepening public engagement with Sindh’s ancient civilization.
Carrying over 100 enthusiastic passengers, the special train departed Karachi on Saturday morning for Mohenjo-Daro via Sehwan and reached Larkana at around 10:00 pm, traveling through Rohri, Sehwan, and Dadu. According to the itinerary, tourists visited the iconic archaeological site of Mohenjo-Daro on Sunday morning, with the journey concluding by Sunday night.
The two-day package was offered at a highly affordable cost of Rs25,000 per person, inclusive of meals, accommodation, and a guided tour of the heritage site and its museum—making the experience accessible to a wider segment of the public.
Speaking to Holiday Weekly, STDC Managing Director Syed Fayez Ali Shah said that while the package was not commercially viable and much of the cost was borne by the tourism department, the initiative was essential for promoting Sindh as a premier cultural tourism destination. He noted that this marked the first-ever special tourist train launched from Karachi to Larkana for Mohenjo-Daro, adding that the response from tourists had been overwhelmingly positive and further such initiatives were under consideration.
Mohenjo-Daro, a 5,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as one of the world’s earliest planned urban settlements and a proud symbol of the Indus Valley Civilization. Its sophisticated town planning, drainage systems, and architectural brilliance continue to fascinate historians and travelers from around the globe.
The success of the Mohenjo-Daro Train Safari is widely attributed to the visionary leadership of Tourism Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, whose commitment to heritage preservation and inclusive tourism has revitalized Sindh’s tourism landscape. His proactive approach and unwavering support have transformed ambitious ideas into tangible experiences for the public. Under his stewardship, Sindh Tourism has emerged as a dynamic force, reconnecting citizens with their history while opening new avenues for cultural tourism.
Meanwhile, Minister Zulfiqar Shah said the initiative received an overwhelming response, particularly from Karachi residents, reaffirming the growing public interest in heritage-based tourism across the province.
