Staff Reporter:
Train services from Quetta, which had been suspended following serious security incidents across Balochistan, have begun resuming, bringing relief to stranded passengers. Railway authorities confirmed that operations halted for the past five days are now gradually being restored as the security situation improves.
According to officials, rail services were suspended after multiple militant attacks on January 31 damaged railway tracks at various locations in the province. Citing safety concerns, Pakistan Railways temporarily stopped all train operations from Quetta to other parts of Balochistan and the rest of the country. Several major services, including the Jaffar Express (Quetta–Peshawar), Bolan Mail (Quetta–Karachi), and the Chaman Passenger train, were affected. The Jaffar Express travelling from Peshawar was also stopped at Jacobabad, while ticket refunds were issued to impacted passengers.
With conditions stabilizing, the railway administration has announced the phased restoration of services. The Chaman Passenger train has departed from Quetta according to its regular schedule, while the Jaffar Express bound for Peshawar has also resumed operations from today. Passengers have expressed satisfaction over the restart, describing the route as a vital transport link for the province.
Railway officials stated that the Bolan Mail service between Quetta and Karachi has not yet fully resumed, but is expected to restart within the next few days. They added that repair work on damaged tracks and security clearance procedures are progressing swiftly to ensure safe operations.
The restoration comes amid ongoing security operations by law enforcement agencies, which have led to an improvement in the overall situation. Passengers said the suspension of train services had caused significant hardship and disrupted Balochistan’s connectivity with other provinces.
Authorities further emphasized that enhanced security arrangements have been put in place along railway routes to prevent any untoward incidents. Travelers have been advised to confirm train schedules before departure. The resumption of rail services is seen as a significant development, as Quetta Railway Junction serves as a key link connecting Balochistan with the rest of the country.
