Balochistan News, Divisions and Real Estate Updates

Quetta | ReNews Pakistan
The Quetta Development Package (QDP) has entered a new phase of implementation, with 12 road and traffic infrastructure schemes completed, seven projects currently under execution and six new schemes added to the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

The progress was reviewed at the end of September, with authorities focusing on improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion through road upgrades, bridges, underpasses and related urban infrastructure.

Among the completed works are development and improvement projects on Sariab Road, Sabzal Road, Qambrani Road, Radio Pakistan Link Road, Link Badini Road, Sarki Road and Inscomb Road.

Safety related works around Irrigation Building Road and development of public spaces have also been completed under the package.

Work is continuing on seven ongoing schemes, including the Sabzal-Samungli Road Bridge, expansion of Zarghoon Road and further improvement works on Sariab and Samungli roads.

Authorities have previously set specific completion targets for sections of Zarghoon Road and the Sariab Service Road, with officials directed to accelerate work on the remaining components.

Several new projects are also moving towards execution, including the Spini Sabzal Road underpass, a parking facility at the Accountant General Office, a utility corridor and beautification work on Airport Road.

The Spini Sabzal Road underpass is aimed at addressing a major traffic bottleneck by providing grade-separated movement at the junction.

The administration has been directed to closely monitor progress on the underpass and resolve land acquisition or administrative issues that could delay its execution.

Six additional projects have been incorporated into the PSDP. The identified schemes include an Airport Road Bridge, a feasibility study for the Pishin Stop-Chaman Phatak corridor, the AG Office parking facility, a pedestrian bridge on Airport Road and a flyover on Sariab Road.

The proposed Sariab Road flyover represents a further expansion of infrastructure development along one of Quetta’s major urban traffic corridors, where extensive road improvement works have already been undertaken.

Airport Road is also receiving broader infrastructure attention, with beautification works, a proposed bridge, a pedestrian bridge and utility-related improvements forming part of plans for the corridor.

Despite progress on the development package, officials have identified delays in the release of funds, land acquisition and encroachments as major challenges affecting the pace of implementation.

Commissioner Quetta Division Zeeshan Lashari has directed officials to submit daily progress reports and strengthen coordination among relevant departments to address bottlenecks affecting the projects.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has also directed authorities to prioritise roads, green belts, parks and drainage under the development package and ensure timely completion of ongoing schemes.

The latest phase of the Quetta Development Package reflects a broader shift from conventional road expansion towards bridges, underpasses and corridor-level infrastructure designed to improve traffic movement and urban connectivity.

The eventual impact of the programme will depend on the timely release of funds, resolution of land and encroachment issues and physical completion of the ongoing and newly approved projects.

Quetta | ReNews Pakistan
The Quetta Development Package (QDP) has entered a new phase of implementation, with 12 road and traffic infrastructure schemes completed, seven projects currently under execution and six new schemes added to the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

The progress was reviewed at the end of September, with authorities focusing on improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion through road upgrades, bridges, underpasses and related urban infrastructure.

Among the completed works are development and improvement projects on Sariab Road, Sabzal Road, Qambrani Road, Radio Pakistan Link Road, Link Badini Road, Sarki Road and Inscomb Road.

Safety related works around Irrigation Building Road and development of public spaces have also been completed under the package.

Work is continuing on seven ongoing schemes, including the Sabzal-Samungli Road Bridge, expansion of Zarghoon Road and further improvement works on Sariab and Samungli roads.

Authorities have previously set specific completion targets for sections of Zarghoon Road and the Sariab Service Road, with officials directed to accelerate work on the remaining components.

Several new projects are also moving towards execution, including the Spini Sabzal Road underpass, a parking facility at the Accountant General Office, a utility corridor and beautification work on Airport Road.

The Spini Sabzal Road underpass is aimed at addressing a major traffic bottleneck by providing grade-separated movement at the junction.

The administration has been directed to closely monitor progress on the underpass and resolve land acquisition or administrative issues that could delay its execution.

Six additional projects have been incorporated into the PSDP. The identified schemes include an Airport Road Bridge, a feasibility study for the Pishin Stop-Chaman Phatak corridor, the AG Office parking facility, a pedestrian bridge on Airport Road and a flyover on Sariab Road.

The proposed Sariab Road flyover represents a further expansion of infrastructure development along one of Quetta’s major urban traffic corridors, where extensive road improvement works have already been undertaken.

Airport Road is also receiving broader infrastructure attention, with beautification works, a proposed bridge, a pedestrian bridge and utility-related improvements forming part of plans for the corridor.

Despite progress on the development package, officials have identified delays in the release of funds, land acquisition and encroachments as major challenges affecting the pace of implementation.

Commissioner Quetta Division Zeeshan Lashari has directed officials to submit daily progress reports and strengthen coordination among relevant departments to address bottlenecks affecting the projects.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has also directed authorities to prioritise roads, green belts, parks and drainage under the development package and ensure timely completion of ongoing schemes.

The latest phase of the Quetta Development Package reflects a broader shift from conventional road expansion towards bridges, underpasses and corridor-level infrastructure designed to improve traffic movement and urban connectivity.

The eventual impact of the programme will depend on the timely release of funds, resolution of land and encroachment issues and physical completion of the ongoing and newly approved projects.

Quetta | ReNews Pakistan
The Jinnah Peoples Train Service has officially been launched in Quetta, introducing a new 32 kilometre public transport corridor between Sariab and Kuchlak following the restoration and upgrading of the railway track. The service was inaugurated on September 29 by Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.

The project was completed jointly by the Government of Balochistan and Pakistan Railways at an estimated cost of Rs3 billion. Officials said the 32 kilometre railway track was restored and upgraded within a record period of 120 days. The initiative is aimed at providing safe, comfortable and affordable public transport for residents of Quetta and surrounding areas.

The initial Jinnah Peoples Train route comprises seven stations: Kuchlak, Baleli, Sheikh Manda, GOR Halt, Quetta, Lora Karez Halt and Sariab. Development and rehabilitation work was also carried out at several stations as part of the project.

According to official details, new turntables were installed at Sariab and Kuchlak stations, while both stations underwent infrastructure upgrades. Improvement work was carried out at Sheikh Manda, while construction and upgrading activities were undertaken at Baleli. GOR Halt was reconstructed and equipped with solar and electrical facilities, along with new furniture and passenger benches. Upgrading work was also completed at Quetta Station, while construction and completion work was undertaken at Lora Karez Halt.

The coaches for the Jinnah Peoples Train were manufactured at Pakistan Railways Carriage Factory in Islamabad within four months. Officials said the service would provide improved daily connectivity for students, employees, traders, women, children, workers and other commuters travelling between Quetta and surrounding areas.

The new commuter corridor is also expected to strengthen connectivity between residential areas and employment and commercial centres across the Quetta urban region. From an urban development perspective, improved rail access could provide an additional public transport option for communities located along the Sariab Kuchlak corridor.

The potential impact on the property market is likely to vary by location. Areas with practical access to operational stations could see stronger connectivity benefits, although any change in property demand or values would depend on factors including service frequency, ridership, travel times and the implementation of future extensions.

The provincial government has also outlined plans to expand the service. Work has reportedly begun on upgrading the railway track towards the Bostan Industrial Estate, while longer term proposals include possible extensions towards Pishin and Mastung.

The launch of the Jinnah Peoples Train represents a new addition to Balochistan’s public transport infrastructure, with the restored rail corridor intended to improve affordable and reliable mobility between Quetta and its surrounding areas.