The Malta Railway 1883-1931

Ninety-three years ago, the Malta Railway passed into history. The train, at times also referred to by some as "Il-Vapur tal-Art", was the first mechanised overland public transport service to be introduced in Malta. Station buildings, tunnels and street names remind us that there was once a railway. Such an innovation introduced the concept of travelling for fun, the Sunday afternoon outing to escape crowded, noisy Valletta and to discover the countryside. The Malta Railways Co. Ltd. Inaugurated its service on 28th February 1883, amid great enthusiasm. The initial government concession allowed for the construction of a railway line linking Valletta to Mdina, providing eight return trips daily. Unfortunately, the advent of the motor bus service sounded the death knell of the Malta Railway, which finally closed down operations on 31st March 1931.

Railway Train at Gheriexem Bridge, Rabat
In 1900, the railway line was extended via a half-mile tunnel beneath Mdina, to the Museum Station located below the Roman Villa heritage site. The tunnel emerged from under the bastions overlooking Gheriexem Valley. An imposing bridge and embankment were raised to cater for the new line extension that proceeded for a further 300 metres in the direction of the military barracks at Mtarfa. The 38c stamp depicts the train on Gbridge awaiting its return trip to Valletta.

Railway Train at Hamrun Station
The 1.00 stamp shows the train passing through Hamrun Station on its return trip from Mtarfa to Valletta. At Hamrun, there was a double track with two platforms and side lines leading to extensive workshops.

Railway Train crossing timber viaduct at Valletta Porta Reale Station
The 2.50 stamp depicts the original bridge that was in use before 1900. In time, it was declared unsafe as the wood began to decay. A stone replacement was built.

Railway Train at Birkirkara Station
The 2.88 stamp shows the train at Birkirkara on its journey to Mtarfa Museum Station. The Birkirkara Station was also known as Central Station due to its strategic location midway between the two railway lines to and from Valletta. The building today houses the Birchircara Railway Museum, inaugurated by the President of Malta, Dr George Vella on 19th November 2023.

All monochrome photographs, taken between 1883 and 1931, were coloured digitally by artist Edgar Vella.