Nestled in the heart of a village in the Nowshera District, the Adamzai railway crossing is a sight to behold. Colourful flowers bloom around the railway crossing all year, thanks to Amraiz Khan.

The 52-year-old was appointed to the post of railway gateman for the Adamzai railway crossing six years ago. Since then he has been growing unique hybrids of roses, petunias and antirrhinums around the track.

The smell of flowers greets visitors even before the sight, and many stop to take pictures with Amraiz’s labour of love.

“I like growing flowers. The government does not pay me to grow these and I pay for them from my own pocket,” Amraiz told Aaj News.

Ensuring the flowers are well irrigated, he has also connected a local water pipeline that passes close to the railway track.

Paucity of funds and lack of support from the government means the size of the garden is limited but money is barely the motivation for the gateman.

“When officers visit or travellers pass through, they praise my hard work and the flowers make them happy. Many people also stop to take pictures,” he said.