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ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (APP):Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi Wednesday said that the People’s Train Service in Balochistan represents a harmonious blend of cooperation between Pakistan Railways and the provincial government, terming it as a milestone in the provision of affordable and secure transportation in the province.
He expressed these views during a meeting with Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Quetta, said a news release.
The meeting reviewed and finalized joint development initiatives between the Government of Balochistan and Pakistan Railways.
During the meeting, both sides reached a principled agreement on collaborative development projects, including the launch and expansion of the People’s Train Service, aimed at providing low-cost, safe and reliable travel facilities to the people of Balochistan.
The minister said that for the first time in the 78-year history of Pakistan Railways, a decision has been taken to devolve railway operations at the provincial level, with Balochistan taking the lead in this historic initiative.
He said that such collaboration reflects growing trust and strengthened coordination between the federation and provincial governments.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti announced that Rs 1.4 billion would be released within the current week for the People’s Train Service project.
He said that following the Sariab–Kuchlak route, the service would be extended to Mastung and Pishin in the next phase.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the Government of Balochistan would provide the necessary resources for the construction of railway stations and the upgradation of railway infrastructure.
He emphasized that the revival of the railway system and the provision of affordable travel facilities remain among the top priorities of the provincial government.
Informing the meeting, Hanif Abbasi said that all three provinces have shown keen interest in launching local railway services; however, Balochistan has demonstrated practical leadership by taking concrete steps in this regard.
He lauded Chief Minister Bugti’s effective leadership and clear vision, terming it a model of intergovernmental cooperation.
Both sides expressed a strong commitment to ensuring fast-track implementation of public welfare projects through sustained collaboration between Pakistan Railways and the Government of Balochistan.
Later, Hanif Abbasi and the Chief Minister also visited the Railway Football Ground, where they reviewed ongoing matters and agreed on further joint development initiatives.