The Jinnah Peoples Train, a public transport initiative launched by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, derailed near Kuchlak on Sunday, raising concerns about the project’s planning, execution and management.
The 32-kilometre Sariab–Kuchlak railway project was officially completed at an estimated cost of Rs3 billion, with the track reportedly upgraded and restored within 120 days. Railway officials said the exact cause of the derailment would be determined through an inquiry.
Local residents attributed the incident to the condition of the track, while railway officials said some track nuts and bolts may have been stolen.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Chief Minister Bugti said an earlier proposal had envisaged importing locomotives and coaches from China at a cost of Rs50–60 billion, with the project expected to take three to four years to complete.
He said the proposal was later revised on the recommendation of Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi, with Pakistan Railways producing the locomotives and coaches domestically to reduce costs and accelerate the project.
The derailment, occurring only days after the service began operations, has prompted questions from local residents and observers regarding the implementation and oversight of the project. Railway authorities said an inquiry was underway and the cause of the incident had yet to be determined.