The system was originally a patchwork of local rail lines operated by small private companies, including the Scinde, Punjab and Delhi Railways and the Indus Steam Flotilla. In 1870, the four companies were amalgamated as the Scinde, Punjab & Delhi Railway. Several other rail lines were built shortly thereafter, including the Sind–Sagar and Trans–Baluchistan Railways and the Sind–Pishin, Indus Valley, Punjab Northern and Kandahar State Railways.
The system was initially a collection of local rail lines operated by small private firms, including the Scinde, Punjab and Delhi Railways and the Indus Steam Flotilla. In 1870, the four companies were merged as the Scinde, Punjab & Delhi Railway. Several other rail lines were constructed shortly thereafter, including the Sind–Sagar and Trans–Baluchistan Railways and the Sind–Pishin, Indus Valley, Punjab Northern and Kandahar State Railways.