Wednesday, January 22, 2025 Attari Railway Station, located in Punjab near the India-Pakistan border, once had an unusual requirement for Indian citizens to carry both a passport and visa. This station was a crucial hub for the Samjhauta Express, which connected Delhi and Lahore until its suspension in 2019. Attari Railway Station, situated in Punjab’s Amritsar district near the India-Pakistan border, holds a distinctive place in India’s railway network.
Unlike typical train stations across the country, where domestic travel requires no passport or visa, Attari Railway Station enforced a unique rule. Indian citizens were mandated to carry both a passport and a valid visa to access the premises. This rare requirement made it a standout destination for unusual travel protocols within India.
Also referred to as Attari Sham Singh Railway Station, it serves the areas around the Attari and Wagah border and is the final stop on the Indian side before reaching Pakistan. In the past, anyone intending to board or disembark at this station needed a Pakistani visa. Without it, individuals risked serious legal consequences, including arrest or imprisonment.
The station has always operated under tight security, with round-the-clock surveillance by law enforcement agencies, further underscoring its strategic significance. Attari Railway Station has been a pivotal link between India and Pakistan, serving as the starting point for the iconic Samjhauta Express. This train, which once conne.