Pakistan Railways has temporarily stopped all train operations from Quetta, affecting both local routes within Balochistan and long-distance trains to other provinces. This decision has left many travelers stranded and scrambling for alternatives.
The suspension impacts several major trains, including:
- Jaffer Express (linking Quetta to Punjab)
- Bolan Mail (heading to Karachi)
- Chaman Passenger
- Trains on the Zahedan section
Passengers with booked tickets have been assured of full refunds. However, those traveling on ongoing journeys faced immediate disruptions. For instance, the Jaffer Express coming from Peshawar was stopped at Jacobabad Station in Sindh because it did not get the required security clearance. Over 400 passengers had to turn back, many of whom arranged other travel at much higher costs.
The halt has created significant problems for commuters and travelers, as heightened security measures remain in place throughout Quetta. To make matters more complicated, mobile internet services have also been suspended indefinitely across the city for security reasons, further affecting communication and daily activities.
Impact Overview
| Affected Train | Route | Passenger Update |
|---|---|---|
| Jaffer Express | Quetta ↔ Punjab | Tickets refunded, journey stopped at Jacobabad |
| Bolan Mail | Quetta ↔ Karachi | Suspended, refunds available |
| Chaman Passenger | Local Balochistan | Service halted |
| Zahedan Section | Quetta ↔ Zahedan | Suspended |
FAQs
Q: Why were the train services suspended in Quetta?
A: The suspension is part of heightened security measures across the city, which have affected all train operations.
Q: Can passengers get refunds for their tickets?
A: Yes, Pakistan Railways has confirmed that all affected tickets will be fully refunded.
Q: How long will the suspension last?
A: There is currently no set date for resuming train services; the situation will depend on security assessments.
Q: Are other services affected in Quetta?
A: Yes, mobile internet and data services have also been suspended to support security efforts.
Conclusion
The suspension of train services in Quetta has created major travel disruptions for locals and visitors alike. With security measures remaining in place and limited communication options, residents are urged to plan alternative travel arrangements and stay updated through official channels. Pakistan Railways has promised ticket refunds, but travelers may face added costs and delays until services resume.
Rana Shahriyar is a dedicated content writer and contributor at 8171 Rashan Program. With a strong interest in social welfare programs and government initiatives, his work focuses on delivering clear, reliable, and easy to understand information for the public.