Jinnah Peoples Metro Train Service Launched in Quetta
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Tuesday formally inaugurated the Jinnah Peoples Metro Train Service in Quetta, announcing free travel for senior citizens and persons with disabilities and saying the service would eventually be expanded to two trains.
The chief minister inaugurated the service alongside Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi. They unveiled the project plaque and also participated in the metro train’s inaugural trial journey.
The ceremony was attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Mir Liaquat Ali Lehri, provincial ministers, members of the Balochistan Assembly, Pakistan Railways Chairman, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, senior officials and representatives of various political parties.
Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Bugti welcomed Minister Hanif Abbasi to Balochistan and appreciated his efforts for public service. He said the participation of representatives from different political parties demonstrated that the project was a public initiative aimed at benefiting the people of Balochistan.
He said the Jinnah Peoples Metro Train Service was the first of its kind in Balochistan and had been launched to provide citizens with safe, comfortable and affordable transportation. Ordinary citizens, workers, students and professionals would particularly benefit from the service, he added.
The chief minister said the initial proposal had been to import engines and coaches from China, which would have cost an estimated Rs50 billion to Rs60 billion and taken three to four years to complete. However, on the suggestion of the federal railways minister, it was decided that new engines and coaches would be manufactured by Pakistan Railways.
He said the decision saved both time and resources while also utilizing the capabilities of a national institution.
Bugti said the Balochistan government was committed to expanding the service to two trains so that trains could operate in both directions by next year.
He said work had already begun on developing the railway track up to the Bostan Industrial Estate. Plans were also under consideration to extend the metro train service to Pishin, Bostan and Mastung in the future.
The chief minister thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Frontier Corps Balochistan and other relevant institutions for their cooperation in completing the project.
He said the project had been completed with the support of the relevant institutions in terms of security arrangements and railway track development. Although some obstacles caused a minor delay during August, the difficulties had subsequently been overcome, he added.
Bugti announced that travel on the Jinnah Peoples Metro Train Service would be completely free for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Fares for other passengers would also be subsidized and kept affordable for ordinary citizens.
The chief minister also appreciated Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan for accelerating implementation and progress on the project.
He said the development and welfare of the people of Balochistan remained among the government’s priorities and that practical measures would continue to improve public facilities.
Bugti said the Jinnah Peoples Metro Train Service was a positive development for the people of Balochistan and credited the provincial public, bureaucracy, parliamentary representatives, provincial cabinet, Pakistan Railways and political parties for their cooperation.
He added that the people of Balochistan wanted peace, development and prosperity. “Our doors are always open for negotiations,” he said, while maintaining that the use of force against the state and attempts to impose any ideology through armed means could not be allowed.
