Attari station is located just before the Wagah border, in Punjab, making it the final station in India on the Amritsar-Lahore railway line. This proximity to Pakistan necessitates special security measures for both passengers and goods.
Unlike most stations in India, where travel can occur without passport and visa, Attari requires these documents due to its critical geopolitical position as an entry/exit point between India and Pakistan.
The station is subject to stringent security protocols, including surveillance by armed personnel, 24/7 CCTV monitoring, and patrolling by military forces, ensuring a high level of control over movement.
Previously, Attari served as the starting point for the Samjhauta Express, a train that connected India and Pakistan. However, this service was suspended amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
To further enhance security, Attari station does not allow porters, minimizing the risk of unauthorized activities and ensuring better control of passenger and cargo movement.
Attari station has long been a site of historical and diplomatic importance, symbolizing the connection and tensions between India and Pakistan, with heightened vigilance due to its role in cross-border movement.