30 Inches Apart - Bostan
The 30 inch gauge line from Bostan to Zhob (formerly called Fort Sandeman) was built between 1916 and 1930 and was no less than 298 kms long. It was initially constructed to transport chrome ore from Muslimbagh to Bostan, with the extension to Fort Sandeman being presumably for strategic reasons.
Good to have a 'Welcome' to the Loco Shed at Bostan..... The motive power here consisted of class G and GS 2-8-2s from North British Loco Co and Nasmyth, Wilson in the 1907-21 period.
G class 56 and 46 in steam.
The ore was transhipped from narrow gauge wagons to the broad gauge on to Quetta and beyond.
GS class 62 prepares to take the three times a month ore working to Muslimbagh.
Some interesting passenger rolling stock was on view. Yes, the sleeper is 1st Class, as are the vehicles above. The Mobile Dispensary carriage is, well, indispensible in such an isolated location. By the time of our visit, 1 January 1988, the only train to traverse the whole line was the monthly pay train, so really kept going beyond Muslimbagh for strategic purposes.
62 eventually set off with six wagons and a brake van. Here it is at Kanhai station, a modest affair.
The mountain backdrop emphasises the harshness of the landscape hereabouts.
62 steams through scrubland before arriving at Zarghun.
Our special next day had class G 46 with water carrier and three carriages, we went to Kanmehtarzi.
Summit of the line was at Kanmehtarzi, 64.11 kms from Bostan and 2224 metres above sea level, said to be the highest railway station in Pakistan and often covered in snow in winter.
Muslimbagh was next station along the line. Loaded trains from there came up with just three wagons due to the 1 in 40 gradient.
Footnote:
The line closed in the early 1990s, but made this headine in 2008 in the 'Dawn' newspaper - 'Bostan-Zhob tracks sold at throwaway prices.'
Full story can be viewed at https://www.dawn.com/news/434687/bostan-zhob-tracks-sold-at-throwaway-prices
There has subsequently been a much praised film based around the railway and the situation described, more details at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moor_(film)