Bolan Mail Hit by Track Explosion in Sibi, Raises Alarms

A railway blast partially damaged a bogie of the Quetta-bound Bolan Mail on Thursday, July 24, 2025, after explosives hit the train’s track in Balochistan’s Sibi district. The attack marks another incident in a troubling series of targeted strikes against Pakistan’s railway infrastructure. Fortunately, the train continued safely to its next stop.

Explosion Near Damboli

The explosion occurred between the Bakhtiarabad and Damboli areas while the Bolan Mail was on its regular route from Karachi to Quetta. According to Station Master Murtaza in Sibi, “The track was blown up with explosives, and bogie No. 7 was partially damaged as a result.”

The blast did not derail the train or cause casualties. It reached Sibi Station without further incident. Authorities confirmed that the incident happened at kilometer marker 200, close to Dangra, while the train was passing over the compromised section of the track.

Emergency Measures Taken

Following the explosion, Pakistan Railways temporarily halted another service, Train 40UP, at Dera Murad Jamali Station (DMJJ) as a safety measure. Muhammad Kashif, spokesperson for the Quetta division of Pakistan Railways, emphasized that immediate precautions were necessary to prevent further risk.

Train 3UP (Bolan Mail) typically departs Karachi during the day and reaches Quetta the following day. It makes over 20 scheduled stops across Pakistan’s vast terrain, making it a critical passenger route in the region.

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Background of Escalating Rail Attacks

The latest railway blast adds to a growing list of attacks in Balochistan targeting transportation infrastructure. With an uptick in militant activity, train tracks across the province have increasingly become targets for sabotage.

Just a few months earlier, in March 2025, train services between Quetta and the rest of the country were temporarily suspended. The suspension followed the dramatic hijacking of the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express on March 11 near Sibi. That attack left 21 passengers and four security personnel dead. The military later confirmed that all 33 assailants were killed during a two-day clearance operation.

Series of Incidents This Year

The attack on Bolan Mail is not an isolated incident. In June 2025, a powerful explosion caused by a remote-controlled device derailed four bogies of the Jaffar Express in Jacobabad. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in that incident. The targeted use of explosives on railway tracks has become a recurring tactic, often aimed at spreading fear and disrupting national transport.

In April 2025, security alerts led authorities to halt the 3UP Bolan Mail at Jacobabad station before it could continue. That measure was a preemptive step amid growing threats against the railway network.

Ongoing Investigations and Security Push

Following Thursday’s explosion, security forces and railway officials launched an investigation into the attack. Preliminary findings suggest the use of a planted device, likely detonated remotely as the train approached. Authorities have yet to identify suspects or confirm whether any group has claimed responsibility.

Pakistan Railways has reiterated its commitment to strengthening track security, especially in conflict-prone regions like Balochistan. Officials are considering the expansion of rail surveillance, including drones and patrols, in high-risk zones.

However, past incidents reveal the ongoing vulnerabilities of the network. Limited resources, vast terrain, and the remote nature of many routes make constant monitoring difficult.

Public Reaction and Safety Concerns

Passengers and local communities expressed concern over the increasing frequency of these attacks. While Thursday’s explosion did not result in injury or loss of life, it underscored the constant threat that hangs over civilian transport in parts of the country.

Travelers have called on Pakistan Railways and security forces to provide greater transparency about safety measures and improve communication during emergencies. Some regular passengers of the Bolan Mail have begun reconsidering their travel plans due to recurring threats.

The Bolan Mail incident is a sharp reminder that railway safety in Balochistan remains under serious threat. As militant groups continue to target vital transport links, Pakistan faces renewed pressure to secure its infrastructure and protect its passengers.