Rail services halted across Balochistan today

One-day suspension for urgent repairs; passengers offered full refunds

QUETTA:

Railway authorities in Balochistan have announced a major disruption for passengers, suspending all train services in the province on Friday, March 27 (today) for urgent technical repairs and track maintenance.

According to railway officials, the decision was taken to prevent any major accident in the future. The suspension is purely precautionary and aims to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.

The Quetta-bound Jaffar Express from Peshawar will be stopped at Jacobabad and sent back, while the Jaffar Express scheduled to depart from Quetta to Peshawar tomorrow morning will not operate. This will affect thousands of daily commuters who rely on the service for travel between Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Other services, including the Bolan Mail from Quetta to Karachi and the Chaman Passenger train, were already suspended. As a result, complete silence is expected on Balochistan's railway lines for the day.

The suspension will last for only one day. Officials have assured that train services will be restored as soon as the repair work is completed. Passengers have been advised to make alternative travel arrangements for March 27.

In a relief measure for affected passengers, railway authorities have announced full refunds for all tickets booked for March 27 trains. Ticket holders can cancel their reservations and receive complete reimbursement without hassle, ensuring no financial loss.

The decision is particularly concerning for residents of remote areas in Balochistan, where trains remain the most affordable and relatively safe mode of travel. Services like Jaffar Express, Bolan Mail, and Chaman Passenger form an essential part of daily life for many locals.

Although the suspension is temporary, it highlights the urgent need for permanent and comprehensive repairs on Balochistan's aging railway infrastructure.

The Divisional Superintendent of Railways stated that passenger convenience remains the top priority. "Once track repairs are completed, trains will resume normal operations immediately," he added.

Passengers are encouraged to check updates with railway authorities or at stations before planning their journeys.