QUETTA: The Balochistan government has decided to expand its public transport initiative by launching bus services in towns and cities across the province, including the capital, Quetta, Provincial Secretary for Transport Hayat Khan Kakar said on Sunday.

The secretary of transport announced that 21 new buses will be purchased, including four pink buses specifically designed for female passengers.

`These buses will be operated in Quetta and Turbat, Mr Kakar said. He added that the buses were expected to be operational by June.

The procurement process has been completed, and tenders have been issued, Mr Kakar said. The supply of the new buses will begin next month, he added.

Initially, four green buses will begin operating in Turbat, the divisional headquarters of the Makran division, while four pink buses will be launched for female passengers in Quetta.

`As many as 12 new green buses will be included in the fleet already operating in Quetta,` Mr Kakar said.

`These buses will operate on new routes to provide transport service to other areas of the provincial capital.

Currently, eight buses are operating between Sariab and IT University via Quetta city.

Mr Kakar said the provincial government aims to extend the green and pink bus services to Kolchak and the Dasht area as well.