Quetta: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti have formally inaugurated the Jinnah Peoples Train Service, aimed at providing safe, affordable, comfortable and reliable travel facilities to the people of the province.
The project has been completed through joint efforts of the Government of Balochistan and Pakistan Railways.
Under the project, the 32-kilometre Sariab-Kuchlak railway track was upgraded and restored within a record period of 120 days at an estimated cost of Rs3 billion.
The Jinnah Peoples Train route comprises seven stations: Kuchlak, Baleli, Sheikh Manda, GOR Halt, Quetta, Lora Karez Halt and Sariab.
Various development and upgradation works were also completed at the stations, including new turntables at Sariab and Kuchlak, station improvements at Sariab and Kuchlak, and development works at Sheikh Manda and Baleli stations.
Reconstruction, solarisation and electrical works, along with installation of new furniture and benches, were carried out at GOR Halt. Upgradation works at Quetta Station and construction and completion works at Lora Karez Halt were also undertaken.
The coaches for the Jinnah Peoples Train were manufactured at the Pakistan Railways Carriage Factory in Islamabad within four months.
Speaking at the inauguration, Federal Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi appreciated the cooperation of Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and the Balochistan government in completing the project.
He said the Jinnah Peoples Train was an important step towards providing modern and dignified travel facilities to the people of Balochistan.
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti expressed satisfaction over the launch and thanked the Ministry of Railways and Pakistan Railways for their cooperation.
He said the service would provide greater convenience to students, employees, traders, women, children, workers and the general public.
The Jinnah Peoples Train Service is expected to strengthen connectivity and provide improved public transportation facilities across Balochistan.