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QUETTA:
Unidentified miscreants targeted the railway infrastructure near the Machh-Sibi section with an improvised explosive device (IED) on Friday evening, destroying a portion of the railway track and forcing authorities to suspend several passenger train services.
After the blast, security forces cordoned off the affected area, while bomb disposal and investigation teams collected evidence. Authorities have formally launched an inquiry to determine the nature of the attack and identify those responsible.
Railway officials said the blast damaged more than three feet of the track, prompting emergency teams to rush to the site. The affected section was later repaired, but train operations remained disrupted due to the absence of security clearance.
The officials stated that train operations would only resume fully after confirmation from security agencies, stressing that passenger safety remains the top priority.
In a separate incident, explosive material detonated near the Quetta-Kolpur railway section. Officials confirmed that despite the blast, the track remained intact and no physical damage was reported.
Following the incidents, authorities cancelled the Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail services, citing serious security concerns. Railway sources said the decision was taken to ensure passenger safety until the area is fully secured.
Passengers waiting at Quetta Railway Station reported panic and uncertainty, as sudden cancellations left many stranded. Railway staff were seen assisting travellers and managing the situation under emergency protocols.
To reduce inconvenience, officials announced that a special Jaffar Express will depart from Quetta today (Saturday) at 8:00 am, while another Jaffar Express will operate according to its routine schedule, subject to security clearance.
The Jaffar Express has remained a frequent target of militant attacks in the mountainous Bolan Valley region. In March this year, the train was hijacked, raising long-standing concerns over passenger safety on this strategic rail route connecting Balochistan with the rest of the country.
