A ghostly silence hangs in the air. This is Muri railway station. It’s a place frozen in time. A forgotten memory along the North Island Main Trunk Railway.
Imagine the bustling activity of the past. Muri station opened in 1952. It was a vital link for the Pukerua Bay community. Commuter trains stopped here every 30 minutes. During peak hours trains were even more frequent.
Electric multiple units zoomed past. These were originally DM/D class but later EM/ET class units. The Capital Connection and Northern Explorer thundered through. These long-distance trains however never stopped at Muri. Not even when the station was open.
The station was strategically located. It was only 905 meters north of Pukerua Bay station. It was closer to the heart of Pukerua Bay’s population center. This small station played a large role in the lives of many.
Construction of the railway line north of Muri involved incredible efforts. Materials were transported from ships to small boats. They then made their way to the beach. From there a tramway took everything up to the railway track.
Muri’s closure in 2011 marked the end of an era. The Greater Wellington Regional Council cited low usage. Upgrading costs for safety and new Matangi units were also a factor. The estimated cost for Muri’s upgrade was $600000.
Today the platform and buildings stand as they were. A poignant reminder of Muri’s past. A testament to this little station’s significant place in history. It is a silent observer of time. A peaceful haven for reflection. A hidden gem that whispers stories of a bygone era. The echoes of whistles and the rumble of trains remain in the heart of Muri.