Balochistan's First Mass Transit Train Is Ready to Serve People

Balochistan's First Mass Transit Train Is Ready to Serve People QUETTA: Balochistan is preparing to launch its first mass transit rail service, with the Jinnah People's Train ready to begin operations between Sariab and Kuchlak after completing a 32-kilometer railway upgrade. The project was completed at a reported cost of around Rs. 3 billion, with track rehabilitation finished in roughly 120 days. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said the service will open to the public soon, although an exact inauguration date, fare structure, and operating timetable have not yet been announced. الحمداللہ ، بلوچستان کی پہلی ماس ٹرانزٹ ٹرین، جناح پیپلز ٹرین، عوام کی خدمت کے لیے تیار ہے۔ 32 کلومیٹر طویل ریلوے ٹریک کی اپ گریڈیشن صرف 120 روز میں مکمل کی گئی، جبکہ منصوبے پر تقریباً 3 ارب روپے لاگت آئی ہے۔ ٹرین کے روٹ پر 7 اسٹیشن قائم کیے گئے ہیں، جن میں کچلاک، بلیلی، شیخ… pic.twitter.com/lW2PqHmr5k — Sarfraz Bugti (@PakSarfrazbugti) September 25, 2026 Seven Stations on the 32 KM Route The Jinnah People's Train will operate across seven stations: Kuchlak Baleli Sheikh Manda GOR Quetta Lor Karez Sariab The route is designed to connect Quetta with surrounding areas while providing a lower-cost alternative for students, office workers, traders and other daily commuters. Pakistan Railways and the Balochistan government have jointly developed the project. An earlier federal government statement described the Peoples Train as a provincial-federal collaboration aimed at providing affordable, safe and reliable transport in Balochistan. Coaches Completed in Four Months The train's coaches were prepared at Pakistan Railways' Carriage Factory in about four months before being dispatched for the service. Pakistan Railways has also upgraded several stations along the route, including Sariab, Kuchlak, Sheikh Manda, Baleli, GOR Halt and Quetta. According to more recent reporting, the project also involved improvements to the railway embankment and passenger facilities, with two new stations added and five existing stations upgraded. Why the Jinnah People's Train Matters The project's significance goes beyond adding another passenger train. Quetta and its surrounding settlements rely heavily on road-based transport, where commuters face rising travel costs, congestion, and limited mass-transit alternatives. A regular rail service along the Sariab–Kuchlak corridor could provide another option for people traveling into the city for work, education and business. The real impact, however, will depend on train frequency, fares, reliability and first-and-last-mile access to stations. Those details have yet to be disclosed. Opening Expected Soon Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has said the Jinnah People's Train will provide a safe, comfortable and affordable travel option for Quetta and adjoining areas while reducing travel time and commuting costs. For Balochistan, where modern urban public transport remains limited, the Jinnah People's Train represents an important first step towards a more structured mass-transit system. Get instant updates — follow PakWheels on Google News.