QUETTA: Pakistan Railways on Monday announced the temporary suspension of the Jaffar Express service from Quetta to Peshawar for today March 30, citing technical issues and track maintenance.
The Jaffar Express, which connects people, businesses, and families across Balochistan’s deserts to Peshawar, was cancelled for the day.
Railway officials said urgent track repairs made the decision necessary. But frustration and disappointment were visible on passengers’ faces. The return Jaffar Express from Peshawar was also stopped at Jacobabad station.
Passengers waited for hours on the platform. Many called their families to explain: “I can’t reach yet, the train is stopped.”
Railway authorities assured that the suspension is temporary and services will resume by tomorrow. But the single-day disruption upset the plans of many families. Crowds gathered at Quetta station, with passengers holding tickets and standing in long queues.
Haji Abdul Rahman, an elderly passenger, said, “I was going to Peshawar to see my daughter after three months. Now the train isn’t running. Officials say it’s track repairs, but what about us?”
Student Ali Hassan said, “I was traveling for university exams. Now what can I do? Buses are crowded and costly, and heavy rains have blocked the national highway. The railway should have arranged alternatives in advance.”
At Jacobabad, stranded passengers faced even greater difficulties. Some waited on the platform, while others slept inside the train. Railway staff only announced that repairs would be completed soon.
Passengers said Pakistan Railways faces persistent infrastructure challenges. The problem is not limited to Jaffar Express. Services of Bolan Mail and Chaman Passenger have also been suspended for several days. Travelers from different districts of Balochistan are struggling.
Officials said aging tracks, poor maintenance, and occasional floods make such repairs necessary. They claimed the work prevents serious accidents.
But passengers questioned whether canceling services is the only solution.
Quetta division railway authorities said passenger safety is the top priority. Tickets for affected travelers will be fully refunded, and Jaffar Express will run normally by tomorrow morning.
Officials acknowledged that refunds alone cannot resolve the problem. Passengers need alternative transport, bus arrangements, or at least timely and transparent information.
Railway authorities said repair work will continue overnight. They urged passengers to check the railway helpline, online portal, or the “Track My Train” app for updates.
For years, Balochistan passengers have demanded better railway infrastructure, new trains, and timely service. Today’s cancellation highlighted that until fundamental issues are addressed, sudden disruptions will continue to affect travellers’ lives.
