Balochistan officials inaugurate Jinnah Peoples Train Service

Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, along with Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, officially inaugurated the Jinnah Peoples Train Service, a new public transport initiative for the province, according to a report by the Associated Press of Pakistan.

Officials described the service as aimed at providing safe, affordable, comfortable and reliable travel for the people of Balochistan, one of Pakistan's largest provinces by area but among the least served by public transport infrastructure.

The launch of the train service reflects continued efforts by federal and provincial authorities to expand transportation access in Balochistan, where residents have historically faced limited options for affordable travel between cities and towns. Rail service in particular has been highlighted by officials as a way to connect communities that may otherwise depend on costlier or less reliable road transport.

The inauguration brought together federal and provincial leadership, underscoring coordination between Islamabad and the provincial government on the initiative. Pakistan Railways has in recent years pursued various efforts to modernize and expand rail services across the country, with the Jinnah Peoples Train Service representing the latest addition serving Balochistan specifically.

Officials did not immediately detail the specific routes, schedule or fare structure for the new service, though the emphasis placed on affordability suggests the train is intended to serve lower- and middle-income travelers in the province.