Key Takeaways
- Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti inaugurated the Jinnah Peoples Metro Train Service in Quetta.
- Senior citizens and persons with disabilities will travel free of charge, while others pay subsidized fares.
- The service aims to provide safe, comfortable, and affordable transportation to Quetta residents.
Balochistan has launched the Jinnah Peoples Metro Train Service in Quetta, with the provincial government offering free travel to senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The service was inaugurated on Tuesday by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi.
Bugti emphasized that the service marks Balochistan’s first metro train service and will benefit workers, students, professionals, and other residents of Quetta. He stated that the service will provide safe, comfortable, and affordable transportation.
The provincial government has introduced free travel for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, while other passengers will pay subsidized fares. Bugti mentioned that the government plans to add a second train to operate in both directions, enhancing the service's reach and convenience.
In addition to the launch, the government is also working on extending the railway track toward Bostan Industrial Estate. There are plans to consider future extensions toward Pishin, Bostan, and Mastung, further expanding the network.
Initially, the plan involved importing engines and coaches from China at an estimated cost of Rs. 50 billion to Rs. 60 billion, with completion expected to take three to four years. However, following a proposal from Abbasi, the government decided to manufacture the new engines and coaches through Pakistan Railways.
This decision, according to Bugti, will save time and resources while utilizing the capacity of the national railway institution. The chief minister highlighted that the initial plan was to import the engines and coaches, but the proposal from Abbasi led to a change in strategy.
The launch of the Jinnah Peoples Metro Train Service is seen as a significant step in improving transportation infrastructure in Quetta. It is expected to enhance the mobility of residents and contribute to the overall development of the city.
The service is anticipated to bring about positive changes in the daily lives of Quetta residents, particularly those who rely on public transportation. The government's commitment to making travel more accessible and affordable is a welcome development for the local population.
