Balochistan launches Jinnah People’s Train mass-transit service

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi have inaugurated the Jinnah People’s Train, the province’s first mass-transit service. The service operates on a 32-kilometre upgraded track between Sariab and Kuchlak, serving seven stations including Quetta, Baleli, and Sheikh Manda.

The project was completed in 120 days through a collaboration between the Balochistan government and Pakistan Railways. To manage costs, officials utilized locally manufactured coaches from the Pakistan Railways Carriage Factory in Islamabad rather than importing equipment from China. The upgraded track and station renovations cost approximately Rs. 3 billion.

The train is designed to provide affordable transport for students, laborers, and employees, with fares ranging from Rs. 50 to Rs. 100. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities are eligible for free travel. Plans are reportedly underway to extend the railway track to the Bostan Industrial Estate and potentially expand the service toward Mastung.