Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti officially inaugurated the Jinnah Peoples Train Service, a major public transport initiative aimed at providing safe, affordable, comfortable and reliable travel facilities to the people of Balochistan.
The project has been completed through the joint efforts of the Government of Balochistan and Pakistan Railways. Under the project, the 32-kilometre Sariab–Kuchlak railway track was upgraded and restored in a record period of 120 days, at an estimated cost of Rs. 3 billion.
The Jinnah Peoples Train route comprises seven stations: Kuchlak, Baleli, Sheikh Manda, GOR Halt, Quetta, Lora Karez Halt and Sariab. Various development and upgradation works have also been completed at these stations to facilitate passengers.
The project includes the installation of new turntables at Sariab and Kuchlak stations, upgradation of Sariab and Kuchlak stations, improvement works at Sheikh Manda Station, construction and upgradation works at Baleli Station, and reconstruction, solarisation, electrical works and installation of new furniture and benches at GOR Halt. Upgradation works at Quetta Station and construction and completion works at Lora Karez Halt were also undertaken as part of the project.
The coaches for the Jinnah Peoples Train were manufactured at Pakistan Railways Carriage Factory, Islamabad, within a record period of four months, reflecting the dedication and hard work of Pakistan Railways’ skilled workers and technical staff.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi appreciated the cooperation of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti and the Government of Balochistan in making the project possible. He said that the Jinnah Peoples Train is an important step towards providing modern and dignified travel facilities to the people of Balochistan. He added that Pakistan Railways is a national institution serving the entire country, and cooperation among the provinces will further expand public service and national connectivity.
Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti expressed his satisfaction over the launch of the Jinnah Peoples Train and thanked the Ministry of Railways and Pakistan Railways for their cooperation. He said that the service marks the beginning of a new era of public transport facilities in Balochistan and will provide greater convenience to students, employees, traders, women, children, workers and the general public.
The Jinnah Peoples Train Service represents an important step towards modern, safe, affordable and reliable public transportation in Balochistan, strengthening connectivity and providing improved travel facilities to the people of the province.
