QUETTA: The Balochistan government on Tuesday announced launching of People’s Train Service between Quetta and Kuchlak and said it will release Rs1.4 billion for the purpose in the next few days.

The announcement was made by Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti during a meeting with Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi in the Chief Minister Secretariat.

The two leaders discussed restoration of the railways projects in Balochistan through joint venture of the Balochistan government and Pakistan Railways.

“An agreement in principle was reached between Pakistan Railways and the Balochistan government on launching of joint development projects including Peoples’ Train Service,” officials said.

CM says Rs1.4bn will be released for the project ‘within days’

Speaking on the occasion, the federal minister said appreciated the development and said this is for the first time in the 78-year history of Pakistan Railways that a decision has been made at the provincial level for devolution which is a strong example of trust and cooperation between the federation and provinces.

He said the three provinces had shown interest in the local railway services projects, but Balochistan has taken the lead in this connection.

Describing the People’s Train Service as a beautiful combination of mutual cooperation between Pakistan Railways and the Balochistan government, Mr Abbasi said the project would prove to be a milestone in providing affordable, safe and quality travel facilities for the people.

Chief Minister Bugti said the Balochistan government would provide funds for construction of new railway stations and upgradation of the existing infrastructure.

He said that after the success of the Sariab to Kuchlak People’s Train Service, the scope of this service would be expanded from Mastung to Pishin and other areas of the province.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2026