The Quetta-bound Bolan Mail was halted at Jacobabad station late Sunday night due to security restrictions preventing train travel in Balochistan after dark.
Upon reaching Jacobabad from Karachi shortly after midnight, the train was not allowed to proceed without security clearance, as confirmed by Pakistan Railways CEO Amir Ali Baloch. Around 150 passengers aboard were informed of the halt, leading to the suspension of the train’s onward journey.
Read more: Security tightened for trains in Balochistan
To ensure safe travel, Pakistan Railways arranged buses to transport passengers to Quetta and other destinations under strict security. However, conflicting accounts emerged about these arrangements. While railway officials claimed alternative transport was provided and some passengers received refunds, eyewitnesses reported protests from frustrated passengers at the station. Many alleged they were abandoned mid-journey after paying fares from Karachi to Quetta, with partial refunds falling far below the cost of alternative transportation.
This disruption has prompted Pakistan Railways to revise the Bolan Mail timetable. Starting Tuesday, the train will now depart Karachi City Station at 3 PM instead of 7 PM to align with security protocols in Balochistan. Passengers with advance bookings are advised to adjust plans accordingly.
