QUETTA: A working paper for the proposed mass transit train system in Quetta has been prepared and submitted to the chief minister.

Officials said on Sunday that the chief minister, who had floated the idea of the transit train system for the provincial capital, directed Chief Secretary Saifullah Chattah to convene a meeting to discuss the project for its approval.

“We have prepared the working paper on the basis of initial documents of the project,” a senior official told Dawn.

He said the meeting would discuss mechanical and financial aspects of the project before approving it.

Soon after taking oath as chief minister of Balochistan, Nawab Sanaullah Zehri had announced that his government would build the mass transit train system in Quetta.

He had urged the Chinese to invest in the project.

According to sources, Pakistan Railways officials and engineers had given an initial briefing on the project to the chief minister while Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq had welcomed the move and assured the Balochistan government of all assistance and cooperation in implementing the project.

According to the plan, the mass transit train will cover a distance of about 35km from Spizand to Kuchlak.

It will provide modern and low-cost travel facility to over three million people of Quetta and surrounding areas. It will not only reduce traffic pressure on Quetta but also connect the city with the junction of five national highways — N-25, N-40, N-50, N-65 and N-70.

Railway track already existed between Quetta-Sibi and Quetta-Chaman and availability of basic infrastructure will reduce the cost of the project. Stations with modern facilities will be constructed at every 4-5km.

The officials said the cost of the project was estimated at Rs2 billion. It will be a joint venture of the Balochistan government and Railways and the private sector will also be involved in it.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2016