Hellfire Pass was a section of the Burma Railway, built during the Second World War under Japanese occupation. The railway was constructed to support military operations, but it relied on the labour of prisoners of war (POWs) and forced labourers, many of whom endured extreme conditions. Workers had to cut through stone using basic tools like pickaxes, often working long hours with limited food and medical care. The harsh environment, combined with diseases such as malaria and cholera, led to high mortality rates.
The pass earned its name due to the eerie sight of torch-lit labour at night, creating a ghostly appearance. Today, the Hellfire Pass Memorial stands as a place of remembrance, educating visitors about the realities faced by those involved in its construction.