KARACHI: On a crisp winter morning on Saturday, 20th December 2025, the historic platforms of Karachi Cantt. Railway Station came alive with anticipation, color, and quiet pride as the whistle at 9:00 a.m. signaled the departure of the 4th edition of the Thar Desert Train Safari. Operated by the Culture and Tourism Department, Government of Sindh, the safari once again reaffirmed its status as a flagship initiative for promoting Sindh’s rich cultural, historical, and tourism potential, particularly of the Thar region.
The train safari was formally inaugurated by Mr. Khair Muhammad, Secretary Culture and Tourism, Government of Sindh, alongside Mr. Feyaz Ali Shah, Managing Director, Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC). Senior officials, including Mr. Khwaja Jehanzeb, Mr. Eijaz Malik, and representatives of Pakistan Railways (DS Railways), were also present at the departure ceremony, underscoring strong inter-departmental collaboration for the success of the event.
Carrying travelers, dignitaries, media representatives, and tourism enthusiasts, the special train journeyed through the heart of Sindh. It received a warm and enthusiastic welcome during its brief stop at Hyderabad Railway Station around 11:45 a.m., reflecting the growing public interest in heritage-based tourism initiatives. The train continued onward, traversing changing landscapes of fertile plains and arid desert terrain, and reached Chhor Railway Station at 4:00 p.m., where passengers spent a serene desert night either onboard the train or in Chhor.
At dawn on Sunday, 21st December 2025, the safari resumed at 7:30 a.m. and arrived at Mirpurkhas Railway Station, where the train was warmly received by Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Government of Sindh. Guests were hosted at Parchije Veri, where a vibrant cultural evening was arranged featuring folk music performances, fireworks, traditional handicraft stalls, and a spread of delicious local cuisine, offering participants an immersive experience of Sindh’s living traditions and hospitality.
The journey then continued to Khokhrapar (Marvi Railway Station – Zero Point), reaching by 9:00 a.m., a location steeped in history and folklore as well as geopolitical significance. At the Zero Point, guests were briefed by Border Force officers, who provided insights into the historical, strategic, and cultural importance of the area, adding depth and context to the experience.
The return journey commenced at 11:00 a.m., with the train retracing its route across the vast landscapes of Sindh, finally concluding at Karachi Cantt. Railway Station at 6:00 p.m.
More than a train journey, the 4th Thar Desert Train Safari stood as a moving tribute to Sindh’s heritage, diverse landscapes, cultural vibrancy, and enduring hospitality—strengthening the province’s image as a unique destination for cultural and adventure tourism, and reaffirming the Government of Sindh’s commitment to sustainable tourism development.
