On Sunday, Pakistan Railways reinstated train services in the Sibi-Harnai section, an area where train services had been suspended for 18 years due to the destruction of main bridges and railway tracks by militants in 2005.
The restoration was celebrated at a ceremony in Sibi Railway Station, inaugurated by Balochistan caretaker Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Domki and caretaker Minister for Railways, Communications, and Maritime Affairs Shahid Ashraf Tarar.
The initiative to rebuild railway bridges and lay new tracks was supported by security forces and came in response to the demand of the local population in Sibi and Harnai, who had been facing significant transportation difficulties without a road link between the two cities.
Minister Tarar also announced the restoration of the Bolan Mail service, connecting Quetta to Karachi, on December 25. He emphasized the commitment of the caretaker governments at both the provincial and federal levels to provide enhanced transportation facilities to the public.
The revival of the Sibi-Harnai train service is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, as it will facilitate the transportation of fresh produce from Harnai, known as the fruit basket of the area. This, in turn, is likely to generate employment opportunities for the local population.
Furthermore, the restoration of train services reflects the government’s dedication to addressing the sense of deprivation among the people of Balochistan and improving connectivity in the region. The caretaker railways minister assured that the reinstated train service would remain operational and also mentioned plans for additional train services in the area.
