Quetta has received a fleet of modern Chinese buses, including four pink units reserved exclusively for women, in a move that coincides with a series of major reforms approved by the Balochistan cabinet, according to Gwadar Pro. Seventeen low-emission buses arrived in the provincial capital this week, adding to the eight eco-friendly vehicles already operating in the city. The expanded fleet will immediately allow new routes across Quetta, linking areas from the University road to Sariab Mill, with a future extension planned towards Kuchlak.

The newly introduced Pink Bus Service will run separately for women commuters to provide a safer and more accessible urban transport experience in a city where female passengers often face harassment and limited mobility.

The decision was formally endorsed in the 20th cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti. The meeting also approved wide-ranging reforms covering climate resilience, banking procedures, administrative affairs and public service delivery.

Speaking at the meeting, the chief minister termed the women-only buses a meaningful step in “restoring confidence and dignity” for female passengers in Balochistan, adding that the government is committed to upgrading public transport and urban mobility.

The first batch of eight low-emission buses was imported from China in July 2023 and initially operated only on a single route linking Sariab Road with Airport Chowk through 18 designated stops.

The limited fleet led to overcrowding, prompting the provincial government to seek additional units. The newly received buses will now enable wider coverage along key corridors and support gradual expansion towards Kuchlak.

Under the provincial transport plan, Gwadar and Turbat are expected to receive four buses each in the next phase, while Pishin, Khuzdar and Sui will be allotted two buses apiece, extending formal public transport services into more districts of Balochistan.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China