News Desk
QUETTA: The Jinnah Peoples Metro Train Service has officially started in Quetta, with Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti announcing free travel for senior citizens and persons with disabilities and revealing plans to expand the service to two trains.
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti inaugurated the service on Tuesday alongside Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi. The two officials also unveiled the project plaque and participated in the metro train’s inaugural trial journey.
The ceremony was attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Mir Liaquat Ali Lehri, provincial ministers, members of the Balochistan Assembly, Pakistan Railways Chairman, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakil Qadir Khan and other senior officials and political representatives.
Quetta Metro Train to Expand to Two Trains
Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Bugti described the Jinnah Peoples Metro Train as Balochistan’s first metro train service, saying it has been launched to provide citizens with safe, comfortable and affordable transportation.
He said workers, students, professionals and ordinary citizens would benefit from the service.
Bugti announced that senior citizens and persons with disabilities will travel free of charge, while fares for other passengers will remain subsidized and affordable.
The Chief Minister said the provincial government is committed to expanding the service to two trains, with trains eventually operating from both directions.
Service Expansion Towards Pishin, Bostan and Mastung
Bugti said work has already started on the development of the railway track towards the Bostan Industrial Estate.
He added that plans are also being considered to extend the metro train service towards Pishin, Bostan and Mastung, subject to further development of the railway infrastructure.
Pakistan Railways Manufactured Engines and Coaches
According to the Chief Minister, the initial plan was to import engines and coaches from China at an estimated cost of Rs50 billion to Rs60 billion, with completion expected to take three to four years.
He said the plan was later changed on the recommendation of Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi, with Pakistan Railways undertaking the manufacturing of new engines and coaches.
Bugti said the decision helped save time and resources while utilizing the capabilities of Pakistan’s national railway institution.
CM Thanks Federal Government and Institutions
The Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Frontier Corps Balochistan, Pakistan Railways and other institutions for their cooperation in completing the project.
He said the project faced some delays because of obstacles during August but the issues were subsequently resolved.
Bugti also praised Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakil Qadir Khan for efforts to accelerate the project’s implementation.
Bugti Says Public Welfare Remains Government Priority
The Chief Minister said improving public facilities and promoting development remain among the provincial government’s priorities.
He said the people of Balochistan want peace, development and prosperity, adding that the government’s doors remain open for dialogue.
However, he said the use of force against the state and attempts to impose an ideology through violence would not be allowed.
The launch of the Jinnah Peoples Metro Train Service is expected to add another public transportation option for residents of Quetta, with the government planning further expansion of the service.
