The railway system in Balochistan continues to suffer after a powerful blast in the Dasht area of Mastung district, which damaged the railway track and derailed several carriages of the Quetta-bound Jaffar Express. More than 28 hours after the incident, authorities have yet to fully clear and repair the track, causing a suspension of train operations between Quetta and other major cities. The prolonged disruption underscores both the vulnerability of Pakistan’s railway infrastructure to acts of sabotage and the logistical challenges in restoring services swiftly in remote regions.
Background of the Incident
On September 23, a bomb exploded on the railway line near Dasht, Mastung. The explosion struck the Peshawar to Quetta Jaffar Express, causing five of its carriages to derail. Fortunately, despite the severity of the incident, casualties were limited, though five passengers sustained injuries. Immediate emergency services were dispatched to the site, and the injured were transferred to nearby medical facilities.
The attack represents yet another strike on critical infrastructure in Balochistan, where militant groups have repeatedly targeted roadways, energy pipelines, and railway tracks to disrupt communication and transport networks. The blast did not just endanger lives but also crippled connectivity between Balochistan and the rest of the country.
Prolonged Suspension of Train Operations
More than 28 hours after the blast, railway authorities have not succeeded in fully restoring the damaged track. Teams have been working on-site, attempting to remove the derailed bogies and repair the twisted metal rails. However, due to the extent of the damage and the remoteness of the area, progress has been slower than expected.
As a result, train services to and from Quetta remain suspended. On Thursday, the Pakistan Railways announced the cancellation of the Jaffar Express traveling from Quetta to Peshawar and the corresponding service from Peshawar to Quetta. This disruption has left passengers stranded and forced many to turn to alternative, less convenient, and often more expensive forms of transport such as buses or private vehicles.
Impact on Passengers and Daily Life
The suspension of services has had a ripple effect on hundreds of travelers who rely on the Quetta-Peshawar route for work, family visits, and trade. The Jaffar Express is one of the most significant long-distance trains connecting Quetta to northern Pakistan, and its cancellation has not only caused inconvenience but also financial strain for passengers.
Business communities, particularly traders who depend on timely movement of goods between Quetta, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have expressed concern about the delays and losses. The disruption further highlights the fragile state of Pakistan’s railway network, which remains underfunded and vulnerable to both natural wear and deliberate sabotage.
Security Concerns in Balochistan
The incident once again draws attention to the ongoing security challenges in Balochistan, a province that has witnessed repeated attacks targeting civilians, law enforcement, and infrastructure. Railways, due to their fixed routes and relatively limited security coverage in remote areas, present an easy target for groups aiming to create large-scale disruption.
The authorities suspect that the blast was an act of sabotage by insurgent elements active in the province. However, an official investigation is still underway to determine the exact nature of the explosive device and identify those responsible.
Challenges in Restoration Efforts
Repairing railway tracks in such remote and rugged areas comes with immense difficulties. Heavy equipment must be transported over long distances, and the derailed bogies themselves require careful lifting and removal before reconstruction can begin. Railway engineers also face the challenge of ensuring safety, as there is always the fear of additional unexploded devices or repeat attacks targeting repair crews.
Officials have stated that repair operations are ongoing, but they cannot provide a clear timeline for the full restoration of services. The complexity of the task has forced authorities to prioritize safety and structural stability over speed.
Broader Implications
This latest disruption exposes a larger issue: Pakistan Railways’ lack of resilience against emergencies. Despite being a vital artery for connectivity across provinces, the railway network struggles with outdated infrastructure, insufficient security, and slow repair mechanisms. Each attack or accident tends to result in prolonged suspensions of service, amplifying the suffering of ordinary citizens.
Moreover, such incidents erode public confidence in railway travel, already in decline due to delays, poor service quality, and safety concerns. For a province like Balochistan, where road transport is limited and long-distance journeys are arduous, railway connectivity is particularly critical. Any interruption not only isolates communities but also hampers economic activity.
Government and Railway Response
Authorities have pledged to intensify security along railway lines, especially in sensitive regions like Balochistan. Additional patrols and surveillance systems are being considered, though resource constraints remain a persistent hurdle. Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways has promised to compensate affected passengers and resume services as soon as the track is declared safe.
The federal government has also been urged to invest in modernizing railway infrastructure, including stronger track reinforcement, improved monitoring systems, and faster emergency response units. Without such measures, Pakistan’s rail network will remain highly susceptible to sabotage, perpetuating a cycle of disruption and insecurity.
Conclusion
The blast in Dasht, Mastung, that derailed five bogies of the Jaffar Express has once again highlighted the precarious state of Pakistan’s railway system. More than 28 hours after the incident, the failure to restore the track has forced continued suspension of services, leaving passengers stranded and underscoring broader weaknesses in infrastructure and security.
While authorities are working to repair the damage and investigate the culprits, the incident underscores the need for systematic reforms in Pakistan’s railway sector, particularly in provinces like Balochistan where connectivity is already limited. Until stronger measures are adopted to protect and maintain railway lines, such acts of sabotage will continue to cause widespread disruption, threatening both the economy and the daily lives of citizens.
