Pakistan Railways resumed train services in Balochistan on May 31, 2026, restoring rail connectivity to Quetta after a period of suspension. The Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail β the two principal trains serving the province β are back on their routes, reconnecting Quetta with Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi.
The resumption came as a significant relief for thousands of passengers in Balochistan, where rail remains the most affordable long-distance travel option and where road journeys across the provinceβs vast distances are long, costly, and tiring.
Why Services Were Suspended
Services on the Quetta routes had been suspended due to security concerns following incidents targeting rail infrastructure and operations in the province. During the suspension, Pakistan Railways worked with security agencies and local authorities to review and strengthen protective arrangements along the line.
The decision to resume operations followed clearance from the relevant authorities, with enhanced security protocols now in place along the route, including at vulnerable sections through the mountainous Bolan Pass corridor.
Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail
The Jaffar Express, which links Quetta with Peshawar via Sibi, Multan, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, is one of the longest passenger runs in the country and a lifeline for students, workers, and families travelling between Balochistan and northern Pakistan. The Bolan Mail connects Quetta with Karachi, threading through the dramatic Bolan Pass on one of the most scenic and historic alignments of the Pakistani network.
Both trains resumed with their standard schedules, and officials say passenger response has been strong, with heavy bookings recorded in the first weeks of restored service.
Looking Ahead
The restoration of Balochistan services aligns with the railwayβs 2026 reform goals of expanding β not shrinking β the passenger network, and further improvements to the Quetta line are under consideration as part of national infrastructure planning.
Travelling on the Jaffar Express or Bolan Mail? You can track both trains β and every other Pakistan Railways service β live on TrainTracking.pk for real-time locations and delay updates.