Balochistan’s first-ever Jinnah People’s Train service was officially launched in Quetta on Friday, establishing a vital rail link between Kachlak and Sariab along a 32-kilometre upgraded railway line.
The inauguration ceremony took place at Quetta Railway Station, with Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti presiding over the event. The track modernization was completed in 120 days, costing approximately Rs3 billion.
The new train service will run daily, making stops at seven stations: Kachlak, Bileli, Sheikh Manda, GOR Halt, Quetta, Lor Kariz Halt, and Sariab. This route aims to enhance connectivity and convenience for commuters traveling within Quetta and its outskirts.
Significant upgrades were made to several stations along the route. New turntables were installed at Kachlak and Sariab stations, while Sheikh Manda Station underwent improvement works. Bileli Station was fully reconstructed and modernized, and GOR Halt was rebuilt with solar power installations, electricity, and new passenger seating arrangements. Additional development was also carried out at Quetta and Lor Kariz stations to improve passenger experience.
The train coaches were produced over four months at Pakistan Railways’ Carriage Factory in Islamabad, ensuring they meet safety and comfort standards. The service is designed to offer affordable and reliable transportation, catering to students, employees, businesspeople, women, children, laborers, and other residents commuting between Quetta and nearby areas.
In a significant development, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti revealed plans to potentially extend the train service beyond Kachlak towards the Bostan Industrial Zone and Mastung. There are also intentions to increase the frequency of trains operating on this route to better serve the growing commuter demand.
The introduction of the Jinnah People’s Train marks a milestone in Balochistan’s public transport infrastructure, providing an alternative and efficient mode of daily transit. This initiative is expected to alleviate travel difficulties, reduce commute times, and lower transportation costs for the people of Quetta and its surrounding regions.
