Balochistan CM, Federal Railways Minister Agree in Principle on Launch of People’s Train Service and Joint Development Projects
Quetta: An important joint meeting between the Government of Balochistan and Pakistan Railways was held on Tuesday at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi. The meeting reviewed the revival of the railway system in Balochistan, the launch of the People’s Train Service, and various joint venture development projects.
During the meeting, the two sides reached a principled agreement to initiate joint development projects, including the People’s Train Service in Balochistan. Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi said that for the first time in the 78-year history of Pakistan Railways, a historic decision had been taken to devolve authority at the provincial level, describing it as a strong example of trust and cooperation between the federation and the provinces.
He said that while all three provinces had shown interest in local railway services, Balochistan had taken the lead in practical implementation, which he said reflected the effective leadership and clear vision of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti. Abbasi added that under the chief minister’s leadership, Pakistan Railways in Balochistan was moving forward with a modern, efficient, and sustainable strategy.
Terming the People’s Train Service a successful blend of cooperation between Pakistan Railways and the Government of Balochistan, the federal minister said the project would prove to be a milestone in providing affordable, safe, and quality travel facilities to the public.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said the Government of Balochistan was keen to ensure swift and practical progress on the People’s Train Service project. He announced that Rs1.4 billion would be released within the current week to ensure timely implementation. He also assured that the provincial government would provide the required resources for the construction of new railway stations and the upgrading of existing infrastructure.
The chief minister said that following the successful operation of the Sariab–Kuchlak People’s Train Service, its scope would be expanded to Mastung, Pishin, and other areas.
Later, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi visited the Railways Football Ground, where they agreed to promote sports activities and initiate joint development projects on Pakistan Railways land.
Reaffirming his commitment, the Balochistan chief minister said the revival of the railway system and the provision of affordable, safe, and reliable transport facilities to the public remained among the top priorities of the provincial government, and close and effective coordination with the federal government would continue to achieve these goals.
