Quetta: MNN
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti formally inaugurated the Jinnah People’s Train Service for the people of Balochistan.
The Jinnah People’s Train is Balochistan’s first mass transit train service, designed to provide safe, comfortable, reliable and affordable transportation to residents of Quetta and adjoining areas.
The project has been completed through joint cooperation between the Government of Balochistan and Pakistan Railways. Under the project, the 32-kilometre railway track from Sariab to Kuchlak was fully upgraded and restored. The project was completed in a record 120 days at a cost of approximately Rs3 billion.
The Jinnah People’s Train route includes seven stations: Kuchlak, Baleli, Sheikh Manda, GOR Halt, Quetta, Loral Karez Halt and Sariab. Various development and upgradation works have also been completed at these stations to facilitate passengers.
The project included the installation and completion of new turntables at Sariab and Kuchlak stations, upgradation of both stations, improvement of Sheikh Manda Station, construction and upgradation works at Baleli Station, and reconstruction and solarisation of GOR Halt. Electrical works, new furniture and benches for passengers were also provided.
The upgradation of Quetta Station and construction and completion works at Loral Karez Halt were also carried out as part of the project.
The coaches for the Jinnah People’s Train were manufactured at Pakistan Railways’ Carriage Factory in Islamabad in a record period of four months, with significant contributions from the railway workers.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi appreciated Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and the Government of Balochistan for their cooperation. He said the Jinnah People’s Train was an important step towards providing modern and dignified transportation facilities to the people of Balochistan.
He said Pakistan Railways was an institution serving the entire country and that, with cooperation between the provinces, the scope of public service and national connectivity was being further expanded.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti expressed his satisfaction over the launch of the Jinnah People’s Train and thanked the Ministry of Railways and Pakistan Railways for their cooperation.
He said the service marked the beginning of a new era in public transportation facilities in Balochistan and would provide greater convenience to students, employees, traders, women, children, workers and other citizens in their daily travel.
The launch of the Jinnah People’s Train marks a significant development towards establishing a modern mass transit system in Balochistan while providing the people with a safe, affordable and reliable mode of transportation.