QUETTA: Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti inaugurated the Jinnah People’s Train on Tuesday, launching a 32km service between Sariab and Kuchlak.
Pakistan Railways and the Balochistan government jointly delivered the project, the province’s first mass-transit train service. Track restoration and upgrades cost about Rs.3 billion. Officials said crews completed the work in 120 days.
Passengers can travel through seven stations: Kuchlak, Baleli, Sheikh Manda, GOR Halt, Quetta, Lor Kariz Halt and Sariab.
Bugti said the service would benefit students, employees and traders, as well as women, children and other daily commuters. He thanked the Ministry of Railways and Pakistan Railways for their cooperation.
Officials described the new transport option for Quetta and surrounding areas as affordable and reliable.
At the inauguration, Abbasi praised the provincial government’s contribution to the project. He described the launch as a step towards modern transport facilities that allow people to travel with dignity.
Station improvements formed part of the work along the route. Crews installed new turntables at both termini and upgraded passenger facilities at Sariab and Kuchlak.
Work at Sheikh Manda focused on station improvements, while Baleli underwent construction and renovation. At GOR Halt, reconstruction included solar power and electrical facilities, with new furniture and benches for passengers.
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Quetta railway station received upgrades, and crews completed construction and finishing work at Lor Kariz Halt.
Pakistan Railways’ Carriage Factory in Islamabad manufactured the coaches for the Jinnah People’s Train in four months.
(With input from Radio Pakistan)
