QUETTA:
Repair work on two railway bridges near Nushki, demolished by unidentified armed terrorists on January 31, has not yet started due to pending security clearances, officials said Thursday.
The incident was part of a wider wave of coordinated attacks claimed by the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) across Balochistan on that date, which targeted security installations, police stations and infrastructure, including railway lines and bridges. The assaults caused numerous casualties on both sides and necessitated increased security measures across the province.
According to railway authorities, train movement on the Quetta-Taftan section remains completely suspended due to the damage. This severed the rail link between Pakistan and Iran, severely disrupting passenger transport and cross-border trade activities. The suspension affects freight and passenger services that rely on this vital route.
Railway sources confirmed that technical teams are fully prepared and ready to begin restoration efforts. However, the current security situation in the area has prevented any start of work. Officials stressed that formal repair activities will only begin once security agencies grant the necessary permission.
It is pertinent to mention that the January 31 attacks targeted several targets in Quetta and other areas of Balochistan, including railway installations. In response, security was further tightened across the region.
The authorities have assured that the return to normal remains an absolute priority. Once conditions stabilize, the rehabilitation of railway tracks and bridges will be undertaken urgently in order to resume train services at the earliest. Passengers and traders continue to face considerable difficulties due to the prolonged disruption.
