Quetta: Train services from Quetta to other parts of the country and within the province have once again been suspended due to the prevailing law and order situation, railway officials confirmed on Tuesday.
According to railway sources, the Jaffar Express, which operates between Quetta and Peshawar, and the Bolan Mail, running from Quetta to Karachi, have been suspended until further notice. In addition, the Quetta–Chaman passenger train will also not operate.
Railway authorities stated that the decision was taken purely on security grounds, prioritizing the safety of passengers, railway staff, and infrastructure. Officials said train operations would remain suspended until the situation improves and clearance is granted by security agencies.
The latest suspension has caused significant inconvenience for passengers, many of whom rely on rail travel as an affordable and essential means of transportation. Several travelers reported being stranded at Quetta Railway Station, while others were forced to seek alternative and more expensive road transport options.
Passengers expressed frustration over repeated disruptions, stating that frequent suspensions have made travel planning extremely difficult. “We had just resumed our travel after services were restored, and now everything is uncertain again,” said one passenger waiting at the station.
It is pertinent to mention that train services had been restored only a day earlier after remaining suspended for five consecutive days due to similar security concerns. The brief resumption raised hopes among travelers, which were dashed following the fresh announcement of suspension.
Railway officials emphasized that passenger safety remains the top priority and assured that services would resume as soon as conditions allow. However, no specific timeline has been provided for the restoration of train operations.
The recurring suspension of train services highlights the broader challenges facing transportation and mobility in Balochistan, where security-related disruptions continue to impact daily life and economic activity.
