The federal government and the Balochistan government have reached a principled agreement to launch the Peoples Train Service along with several joint venture projects in the province.

According to details released on Tuesday, a joint meeting of Pakistan Railways and the Balochistan government was held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi said that, for the first time in the 78-year history of Pakistan Railways, a historic decision on provincial-level devolution had been taken. He said all three provinces had shown interest in local railway services, with Balochistan taking the lead in practical implementation.

He added that, under the leadership of the chief minister, Pakistan Railways in Balochistan was moving forward with a modern and effective strategy. The Peoples Train Service, he said, was a strong example of mutual cooperation between Pakistan Railways and the Government of Balochistan.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the provincial government wanted swift and practical progress on the Peoples Train Service project. He said the Balochistan government would provide the required resources for the construction of new railway stations and the upgrading of existing infrastructure.

He announced that Rs1.4 billion for the Peoples Train Service would be released during the current week. Following the success of the Sariab to Kuchlak route, he said, the service would be extended from Mastung to Pishin and other areas.

The Federal Minister for Railways and the chief minister also visited the Railways Football Ground, where they agreed on promoting sports and launching joint projects on Pakistan Railways land.

Chief Minister Bugti said the restoration of the railway system and the provision of affordable and safe travel facilities to the public remained among the top priorities of the Balochistan government.