The Balochistan government has taken a significant step toward modernizing urban transportation by officially launching the Green Peoples Bus Service in Turbat. This development marks Turbat as the second city in the province, after Quetta, to benefit from this contemporary public transit system designed to improve daily commuting experiences for residents. The initiative aims to provide a safe, comfortable, and efficient mode of travel, addressing the growing demand for reliable urban mobility in the region.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Circuit House in Turbat, where Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti formally unveiled the new service. The event was attended by several key provincial ministers, including Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buledi, Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Mir Asghar Rind, and Asim Kurd Gello, alongside other government officials and local representatives. Their presence underscored the provincial government’s commitment to enhancing public infrastructure and transportation facilities in Balochistan.
During his address, Chief Minister Bugti emphasized the importance of the Green Peoples Bus Service as a transformative project for urban transport in the province. He highlighted that the service is designed to offer modern, secure, and dependable travel options, which will significantly ease the daily commute for the people of Turbat. Bugti also pointed out that the initiative extends beyond the city limits, benefiting the wider Kech District by improving connectivity and accessibility.
He credited the efforts of provincial minister Zahoor Ahmed Buledi and other assembly members from Kech for their collaborative role in bringing this project to fruition. Looking ahead, Bugti announced plans to introduce a Pink Bus Service exclusively for women, aiming to provide a safe and convenient travel environment for female passengers. This move reflects the government’s focus on inclusivity and addressing the specific needs of women commuters in the region.
The newly launched buses come equipped with a range of modern amenities to enhance passenger comfort and safety. Each bus has seating capacity for 37 individuals, with the ability to accommodate up to 100 passengers including those standing. Features such as designated seating for women, children, and senior citizens, wheelchair accessibility, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and automatic hydraulic doors have been incorporated to ensure a secure and user-friendly experience.
Moreover, digital screens installed inside and outside the buses provide real-time information about routes and bus numbers, making navigation easier for passengers. The initial phase of the project has allocated four buses to operate in Turbat, covering a 19-kilometer route that connects the city with its surrounding suburban areas. Authorities plan to establish 18 strategically located bus stations throughout the city to facilitate smooth boarding and disembarking.
Officials anticipate that the service will cater to approximately 4,500 passengers daily, significantly reducing travel time and congestion on the roads. Final decisions regarding fare structures and specific routes are expected after a thorough assessment of travel patterns and distances. There is also a proposal under consideration to offer free travel for the first two years, which would encourage widespread adoption of the service and support residents during the initial rollout phase.
Overall, the launch of the Green Peoples Bus Service in Turbat represents a major milestone in Balochistan’s efforts to modernize its public transportation network. It reflects a broader commitment to improving urban infrastructure, enhancing quality of life, and promoting sustainable mobility solutions in the province. The upcoming introduction of the Pink Bus Service further demonstrates the government’s dedication to inclusive and gender-sensitive transport policies.
