The Khekhra truck, also known as the ‘The King of Thar Desert’, is a moving masterpiece that serves as a cultural ambassador and reflects the rich heritage of the Tharparkar Desert. The vibrant artwork not only beautifies these trucks but also symbolizes hope and resilience in a challenging environment. The term Khekhra or Khekhra (Urdu: کھیکھڑا, Sindhi: کيکڙو) meaning “crab” refers to its ability to crawl over sand dunes, mirroring a crab’s agile movement across the desert’s challenging terrain. These trucks are engineered to scale the largest of dunes with ease, symbolizing both functionality and endurance.
Beyond their visual appeal, these trucks hold deep cultural significance. They serve as a lifeline for the people of Tharparkar, transporting essential goods across the harsh desert terrain. For the local people, the Khekhra truck is a source of pride, representing connection to their land. Surrounded by endless sand dunes on both sides, passengers often enjoy traditional Sindhi or Thari folk songs by artists like Fozia Soomro, Jalal Chandio, Mai Bhagi andd others making its journey not just practical but deeply memorable. During festivals and rituals, these trucks play ceremonial roles such as transporting pilgrims, hosting wedding processions and others.
Due to the large sand dunes and rough terrain in Tharparkar, most vehicles would get stuck but these trucks crawls effortlessly across dunes. Very few vehicles other than 4x4s or 2 wheels vechicles can navigate the area, but these 6x6 Khekhra trucks handle it with ease and remain affordable for local-communities. In this article, you will discover the history behind Khekhra truck, how and when they were introduced, their transformation, engine features and its importance in future.
Why locals call it Khekhra?
When Khekhra trucks were procured by Pakistan from America for different military operations, local people had called these trucks as American military trucks. Over time, the trucks earned the nickname Khekhra (meaning "crab") due to their wide structure and heavy tread that resembles the movement of a crab across the sand. The name "Khekhra truck" originates from the Sindhi and Urdu word "Khekho" (in Urdu: کھیکھڑا), which means crab. Here’s why:
- Wide Body and Heavy Axles: The trucks, often former American military GMC 6×6 vehicles, had a wide frame and multiple large tires, making them look bulky and spread out like a crab.
- Side-to-Side Motion: When driving over soft desert sands or rugged paths, these trucks would rock or sway from side to side, similar to how a crab walks.
- Tough Desert Grip: Just like a crab can walk over rough or uneven surfaces, these trucks were excellent at navigating the sandy and bumpy terrain of the Thar Desert.
In Dhatki a local language of Tharparkar, the term “Chhakro ڇَڪڙو” is also widely used to refer these army trucks. This term "Chhakro" used in Dhatki and Gujarati languages, originally referred to a bullock cart or a vehicle to transport goods, and later came to be applied to army trucks in the Tharparkar region.
How Khekhra trucks came to Tharparkar desert?
During the Cold-War in 1954-55, the United States provided military aid including GMC (General Motors Corporation) trucks specifically the CCKW 2½-ton 6×6 trucks (commonly known as Deuce and a Half) to its ally Pakistan. This US military aid was provided under the Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement (signed in May 1954) and Pakistan's entry into SEATO (1954) and CENTO (1955). [1]
By the mid-1950s, the U.S. military began replacing the CCKW with the more advanced M135 and M211 series of 2½-ton 6×6 cargo trucks, featuring improved off-road capabilities. Pakistan subsequently procured these upgraded American vehicles and also REO M35 and Bedford series trucks, particularly in preparation for and during the Indo-Pakistan Wars of 1965 and 1971. These trucks became essential assets for transporting troops, supplies, and equipment across diverse terrains, including border regions and conflict zones.
Before the Pakistan army adopted these military trucks, Tharparkar region of Sindh lacked any motorized transport vehicles capable of running on harsh and desert environment. And local people of Tharparkar had long relied on camels for movement across the arid desert of Tharparkar. However, during the wars, the Pakistan Army deployed some of these heavy-duty trucks in Tharparkar to transport cargo and troops to remote and strategically important desert locations.
Following the conclusion of the Indo-Pakistan wars, many of the military-grade 6×6 trucks were either decommissioned due to wear and tear or retired from active service. The Government of Pakistan subsequently auctioned off these surplus vehicles. Local people of Mirpurkhas and Mirpurkhas recognizing their potential, acquired these rugged trucks and ingeniously repurposed them into multi-functional desert shuttles. These modified vehicles became vital for transporting goods, livestock, and even passengers across the vast and challenging terrain of Tharparkar.
Engine and Features of Khekhra Trucks:
The evolution of Khekhra trucks in Pakistan is closely tied to the powerful engines of military vehicles used during the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars. These trucks, originally built on platforms like the GMC CCKW, M35, M135, and Bedford series, were powered by robust gasoline engines designed for durability and off-road performance. These truck have relatively good ground clearance, which helps prevent them from getting bogged down on uneven sandy terrain. In recent years, many of these vehicles have been refurbished with efficient Nissan diesel engines, significantly improving fuel economy and reliability, especially in challenging terrains like Tharparkar.
 |
| 1942 GMC CCKW 2½-ton 6×6 truck |
The GMC CCKW series truck, known as the “Deuce and a Half,” was a 2½-ton 6×6 military truck used extensively during World War II. Powered by a GMC 270 inline-six gasoline engine with a 5-speed manual transmission giving the truck a top speed of 45-50 mph, it was known for its durability, off-road capability, and 2.5-ton payload. With over 500,000 units produced, it became a key logistics vehicle for Allied forces and was later supplied to countries like Pakistan through post-war military aid. [2]
 |
| GMC M135 2½-ton 6×6 truck |
The GMC M135 2½-ton 6×6 truck was a 1950s military cargo vehicle powered by a GMC 302 inline-six gasoline engine and a 4-speed automatic Hydramatic transmission. It featured coil spring front suspension, air-over-hydraulic brakes, and a single rear axle. Designed for smoother operation than earlier models of GMC CCKW, it was used by the U.S., Canada, and allies like Pakistan for cargo and troop transport during the 1960s and early 1970s. [3]
 |
| GMC M211 2½-ton 6×6 truck |
The GMC M211 2½-ton 6×6 truck was a Canadian-built variant of the M135, developed in the 1950s for military transport. It was powered by a GMC 302 cubic inch inline-six gasoline engine paired with a 4-speed automatic Hydramatic transmission and a 2-speed transfer case. Like the M135, it featured coil spring front suspension, air-over-hydraulic brakes, and improved road handling. The M211 had tandem rear axles, offering better off-road performance compared to the M135's single rear axle. Used primarily by Canadian forces and allies, it was also supplied to countries like Pakistan under military aid programs for troop and cargo transport. [4]
 |
| REO M35 truck 2½-ton 6×6 truck |
The M35 2½-ton 6×6 truck often called the “Deuce and a Half” was a highly versatile military cargo truck introduced in the 1950s and widely used for decades. It was initially powered by a REO Gold Comet gasoline engine, later upgraded to multi-fuel engines (diesel, gasoline, or jet fuel) in the M35A2 variant. The truck featured a 5-speed manual transmission, 2-speed transfer case, tandem rear axles, and leaf spring suspension, providing excellent off-road capability. Known for its ruggedness and modular design, the M35 was used by the U.S. military and allied forces, including Pakistan, for transporting troops, equipment, and supplies during conflicts such as the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars. [5]
Pakistan also utilized low- and medium-sized 4×4 3-tons Bedford series (RL, TJ and QL) military trucks powered by gasoline engines during and prior to the 1970s for various military operations. Bedford-Vehicles was a British commercial vehicle manufacturer owned by General Motors, with its headquarters located in Luton, England. The brand name “Bedford” was derived from Bedfordshire, the county in which Luton is situated. [6]
Nowadays, the adoption of Nissan engines in modern "Khekhra" trucks within Tharparkar has proven to be a significant development. Nissan diesel engines are the most fuel-efficient among the GMC, REO and Bedford engines, offering around 10–14 km/l, making them ideal for light-duty military vehicles. Bedford diesel engines provide moderate efficiency (6–8 km/l) and were used in medium-duty trucks, while their older petrol variants consumed more fuel. In contrast, GMC/REO gasoline and multifuel engines, used in heavy 6×6 military trucks, were the least fuel-efficient (3–5 km/l) due to their large size and power-focused design. Overall, Nissan engines prioritize efficiency, Bedford strikes a balance, and GMC/REO engines are built for heavy-duty wartime performance. Today, the Khekhra truck have a capacity of carrying a load of 16 tons.
Who first owned the Khekhras trucks in Tharparkar?
According to records, the earliest buyers of Khekhra trucks at government auctions were predominantly members of the Pathan community. Many of them had previously served in the Pakistan Army and were well-acquainted with the power, resilience, and off-road capabilities of these military vehicles. Their firsthand experience and technical knowledge enabled them to operate and maintain the trucks efficiently, adapting them seamlessly to meet the unique transportation needs of the desert landscape.
During the 1950s, there were only three Khekhra trucks in the entire Mirpurkhas region, which included Tharparkar at that time. These trucks were owned by Pir Ghulam Hussain Shah Jillani (a renowned politician), Rasool Bux Bhambhro, and Abdul Rehman. Later, Seth Karamchand Sonaro from Mithi also purchased several such vehicles from government auctions and had them repaired to operate on desert routes in Tharparkar. He named his transport company TM Transport, after Tilokchand Magharam.
In earlier times, skilled drivers capable of handling such army trucks were rare, so professional drivers from Quetta were initially hired to operate these heavy vehicles. Over time, local experts from Tharparkar, skilled in metalwork and carpentry, began working on these trucks. Their engagement with the mechanical and structural aspects of the vehicles allowed them to gradually learn how to repair, maintain, and eventually drive these powerful American trucks themselves.
Price of Khekhra Truck in Pakistan
In the current market, a fully restored Khekhra truck typically costs between Rs. 1.5 million to Rs. 4 million, depending on several key factors. One of the most significant price determinants is the engine type; whether the vehicle retains its original military engine or has been upgraded with a more fuel-efficient Nissan diesel engine. The overall chassis condition, extent of restoration work, and quality of mechanical components also influence the final value. Additionally, the truck’s intended use, whether for transporting cargo, livestock, or passengers can affect pricing, as specific modifications may be required.
Finally, location plays a role; trucks operating in remote or desert regions like Tharparkar may command higher prices due to local demand and limited availability.
Transformation of Army Trucks to Current Khekhra
Local experts from the Suthar caste of Tharparkar played a pivotal role in transforming American military trucks into what are now known as Khekhra trucks. These artisans fitted the vehicles with water tanks or large wooden chassis at the rear to transport water, heavy goods, and even passengers across the harsh desert routes. According to historians, the Suthar community is renowned for its craftsmanship in wood and ironwork, with skills passed down through generations. Their expertise in building structures, machinery, and tools has been an essential part of the region’s mechanical tradition.
For decades, the people of Tharparkar have relied on Khekhra trucks for transportation. However, in the early years, there was a significant lack of seating arrangements, especially for women and girls. The trucks had no separate compartments, and travelers often had to improvise by placing a veil or curtain in the cargo bed to divide men and women into separate sections.
Recognizing this issue, a renowned mechanical expert, Mistri Gokal Das Suthar, redesigned the truck by adding a dedicated passenger compartment behind the driver's cabin and constructing a large wooden chassis in the rear for carrying heavy loads. His design greatly improved comfort and functionality, especially for long-distance desert travel.
 |
| Left Image: Khekhra Truck with a Water Tank. Rright Image: Khekhra Truck with Wooden Chassis for carrying heaving load |
Among the most notable mechanical experts from the Suthar caste are Mistri Narsomal, Mistri Ramchand, Ranomal Registani Chauhan, Permanand Chauhan, Heeralal Chauhan, Bhamro Suthar, and others. From the Marwari Mistri community, Abdul Ghafoor also earned recognition for his contributions to the engineering of large-sized Khekhra trucks across the Mirpurkhas Division.
Mistri Ramchand Suthar played a key role in the modification of the truck's gear system. He successfully separated and restructured the gears and converted the original petrol engine into a diesel engine, making the truck more powerful and fuel-efficient for use in the desert. Meanwhile, Mistri Ranomal Registani Suthar, another brilliant engineer, was the first to transform the Khekhra into a bus, enabling it to transport a large number of passengers across desert routes.
Nowadays, local artisans spend weeks embellishing these army trucks with floral patterns, calligraphy, turning them into dazzling masterpieces. And each design tells a story, blending tradition with the driver’s personal identity, making every Khekhra truck unique.
In Which Route of Tharparkar Did the First Khekhras Run?
The first Khekhra trucks in Tharparkar were initially used for transportation on the Naukot to Mithi route, and later the service expanded to other routes across Tharparkar. According to local accounts, during the 1960s, the travel fare from Naukot to Chelhar was approximately Rs. 2.50 for a journey of around 75 kilometers.
For the first year of operation, drivers from the Pathan community were running these trucks along routes. At that time, Naukot served as the main economic hub for both Umerkot and the Tharparkar desert. It was also well-connected to major urban centers like Hyderabad and Karachi through the Mirpurkhas railway line.
Before the construction of tar-based or asphalt road networks across Tharparkar, Khekhra trucks had to endure long and difficult journeys due to the harsh desert terrain. A trip covering 200 kilometers from Naukot to Nagarparkar via Mithi could take up to 12 hours. Even the relatively shorter stretch of 48 kilometers from Naukot to Mithi often took around 3 hours to complete, highlighting the challenges of transportation in the region during that era.
Future of Khekhra Trucks in Tharparkar?
Even with the construction of asphalt and tar-based road networks across the Tharparkar desert, the importance of Khekhra trucks is unlikely to diminish. Given the vast and challenging terrain of the region, these 6×6 vehicles will continue to play a crucial role in accessing remote areas where proper roads are still unavailable.
Over the years, these trucks have undergone technical improvements to keep up with changing times. Originally powered by petrol engines, most have now been upgraded with more fuel-efficient Nissan diesel engines. Skilled mechanics in Tharparkar have adapted these vehicles with stronger suspensions, improved gear systems, and wooden or metal cargo beds, making them more suitable for desert conditions and local transport demands. These upgrades have significantly extended their operational life, while reducing running costs and maintenance challenges.
Khekhra trucks also hold cultural and economic value for the region. They provide livelihoods for drivers, technicians, and small transport businesses. In many parts of Tharparkar, the sight of a Khekhra truck remains a sign of connection and support, especially in times of drought or emergency. They are not just trucks; they are lifelines for people living far from city centers.
However, their future may face challenges. As vehicle emission standards tighten and access to spare parts becomes more difficult, the sustainability of operating aging trucks may come under pressure. Still, the ingenuity of local mechanics and the enduring need for rugged desert transport means Khekhra trucks are unlikely to disappear any time soon. Instead, they may continue to evolve, bridging the gap between heritage and necessity in the resilient landscape of Tharparkar.
References:
- Sunawar, Lubna and Coutto, Tatiana (2015) "U.S. Pakistan Relations during the Cold War," The Journal of International Relations, Peace Studies, and Development: Vol. 1: Iss. 1, Article 6.
- Wikipedia contributors. "GMC CCKW 2½-ton 6×6 truck." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 6 Jun. 2025. Web. 6 Jul. 2025.
- Magazine, Military Vehicles. “Military Vehicle Spotlight: GMC M135 6×6 2-1/2-ton Truck.” Militarytrader, 3 Nov. 2018, www.militarytrader.com/military-vehicles/military-vehicle-spotlight-gmc-m135.
- M211 Truck, Cargo, 2.5 Ton, 6x6 Historical Marker. 1 Feb. 2023, www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=167768.
- Wikipedia contributors. "M35 series 2½-ton 6×6 cargo truck." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 4 Jul. 2025. Web. 6 Jul. 2025.
- Haroon, Danyal, and Danyal Haroon. “Bedford Truck – a True Automotive Icon.” PakWheels Blog, 25 June 2018, www.pakwheels.com/blog/bedford-truck-true-automotive-icon.
Comments
Post a Comment