QUETTA: The Balochistan government has approved funding of Rs1.4 billion to launch a People’s Train Service between Quetta and Kuchlak, officials said on Tuesday.
The decision was announced during a meeting between Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi at the Chief Minister Secretariat in Quetta.
According to officials, both sides agreed in principle to restore rail connectivity in the province through joint development projects between the Balochistan government and Pakistan Railways. The Quetta–Kuchlak People’s Train Service will be the first initiative under this cooperation framework.
Chief Minister Bugti said the provincial government would release the approved funds within days and would also finance the construction of new railway stations and upgrades to existing infrastructure.
Railways Minister Abbasi welcomed the move, calling it a significant step toward decentralised development in the rail sector. He said Balochistan had become the first province to formally support local rail services at the provincial level.
Officials said the project aims to provide affordable, safe and reliable transport to commuters while strengthening regional connectivity.
The chief minister added that following the launch of the Quetta–Kuchlak route, authorities plan to expand the service to additional areas including Mastung and Pishin.
