QUETTA, September 29, 2026: The Jinnah Peoples Train Service was officially inaugurated in Balochistan on Tuesday, introducing a passenger rail service between Sariab and Kuchlak through Quetta following the restoration and upgrading of a 32-kilometre railway track.
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti jointly inaugurated the service, developed through cooperation between Pakistan Railways and the provincial government.
The project, completed at an estimated cost of Rs3 billion, is intended to provide affordable and reliable transport for students, employees, traders, workers and other commuters travelling along the route.
Sariab–Kuchlak railway track restored in 120 days
According to project details, the 32-kilometre railway track connecting Sariab and Kuchlak was upgraded and restored within 120 days.
The work included improvements to railway infrastructure, station facilities and passenger amenities along the route.
The project was undertaken jointly by the Government of Balochistan and Pakistan Railways to improve local transport connectivity and provide an alternative means of travel for residents.
Jinnah Peoples Train route and stations
The passenger service will connect seven stations between Kuchlak and Sariab, including Quetta.
| Station | Location on route |
|---|---|
| Kuchlak | Terminal station |
| Baleli | Intermediate stop |
| Sheikh Manda | Intermediate stop |
| GOR Halt | Intermediate stop |
| Quetta | Main city station |
| Lora Karez Halt | Intermediate stop |
| Sariab | Terminal station |
The service is expected to improve access to transport for communities along the railway corridor, particularly those travelling regularly for employment, education and business.
Railway stations upgraded with new passenger facilities
As part of the project, new turntables were installed at Sariab and Kuchlak stations, while both stations underwent infrastructure upgrades.
Improvement work was also carried out at Sheikh Manda Station, alongside construction and upgrading activities at Baleli Station.
GOR Halt underwent reconstruction and solarisation, including electrical improvements and the installation of new furniture and passenger benches.
Upgrading work at Quetta Station and construction and completion activities at Lora Karez Halt were also included in the project.
Train coaches manufactured in Islamabad
The coaches for the Jinnah Peoples Train were manufactured at the Pakistan Railways Carriage Factory in Islamabad within four months.
Railway officials credited the factory’s technical staff and skilled workers for completing the manufacturing work within the project timeline.
The locally manufactured coaches will be used to operate the passenger service along the restored railway corridor.
Hanif Abbasi highlights federal-provincial cooperation
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi appreciated the cooperation of Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and the Balochistan government in completing the project.
He described the service as an important step towards improving public transport facilities in the province.
Abbasi said Pakistan Railways was a national institution serving people across the country and emphasised that cooperation between federal and provincial authorities could help expand railway services and strengthen connectivity.
Sarfraz Bugti says service will benefit daily commuters
Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti welcomed the launch and thanked the Ministry of Railways and Pakistan Railways for their role in completing the project.
He said the new train service would provide greater convenience to students, government and private-sector employees, traders, women, children and workers.
The chief minister described the inauguration as the beginning of improved public transport facilities in Balochistan.
The Jinnah Peoples Train Service is intended to strengthen transport links between Quetta and surrounding areas while offering residents another option for daily travel.
Details of the train’s operating timetable, ticket fares and daily service frequency were not included in the inauguration announcement.