Quetta–Taftan Line
The Quetta–Taftan Line, also known as Spezand–Zaheden Railway Line is one of four main railway lines in Pakistan, operated and maintained by Pakistan Railways. Inward from Pakistan's most western edge, it begins at Spezand Junction and has services that continue beyond Koh-e-Taftan station in high mountains, west. Its length is to the Iranian border, a few kilometres further west of that station. It has ten active stations, of which seven are in Pakistan and three are in Iran. Many or all primary services since 1940 terminate on the natural continuation in eastern Iran at the high city of Zahedan, which sees a change of gauge for accessing the Trans-Iranian Railway. This section is difficult to maintain due to Nushki Desert and Mountain Ranges.
History
Originally known as the "Trans–Baluchistan Railway", the line was built as part of a strategic military route between British India and Persia. The Quetta to Nushki branch was approved by Lord George Hamilton, Secretary of State for India, in August 1902, and it was opened on 15 November 1905. The part west of Nushki towards Iran was named the Nushki Extension Railway. Work started on it in September 1916 under the charge of P.C. Young as Engineer-in-Chief, and it reached the Iranian town of Duzdap on 1 October 1922. By the time the railway reached Duzdap, the British had already demobilized their forces in East Persia in March 1921, which took away the importance of the newly built part. So much so that in 1931, the section between Nok Kundi and Duzdap was closed, and the track was removed for use elsewhere. World War II, however, renewed interest in the Quetta-Zahedan link. British forces wanted to aid the Soviet forces by supplying material through Persia. Aid through Persia proved unnecessary but the Quetta-Zahedan link was reopened on 20 April 1940 in Zahedan.
Stations
The stations are: