QUETTA:
The repair work on two railway bridges near Nushki, demolished by unidentified armed terrorists on January 31, has not yet begun due to pending security clearance, officials said on Thursday.
The incident was part of a larger wave of coordinated attacks claimed by the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) across Balochistan on that date, which targeted security installations, police stations, and infrastructure, including railway tracks and bridges. The assaults led to significant casualties on both sides and prompted heightened security measures throughout the province.
According to railway authorities, train operations on the Quetta-Taftan section remain completely suspended as a result of the damage. This has severed Pakistan’s rail link with Iran, severely disrupting passenger travel and cross-border trade activities. The suspension affects freight and passenger services reliant on this vital route.
Railway sources confirmed that technical teams are fully prepared and on standby to commence restoration efforts. However, the ongoing security situation in the area has prevented any start to the work. Officials emphasized that formal repair activities will only proceed once security agencies grant the necessary clearance.
It is pertinent to mention that the January 31 attacks involved multiple targets in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan, including railway facilities. In response, security has been further tightened across the region.
Authorities have assured that restoring normalcy remains a top priority. Once conditions stabilize, the rehabilitation of railway tracks and bridges will be undertaken on an urgent basis to resume train services at the earliest. Passengers and traders continue to face considerable hardships amid the prolonged disruption.
