NEWS

Khokharapar-Munabao rail service from February 18

January 31, 2006 21:38 IST

India and Pakistan Tuesday decided to resume rail link that will connect Khokharapar with Munabao, from February 18.

The decision was taken at the conclusion of the two days talks earlier in the day. The two countries had severed the link 41 years ago after 1965 war.

However, with the resumption of the composite dialogue process, New Delhi and Islamabad took several measures including resumption of rail and road links to build mutual trust.

The two sides also signed an agreement covering duration and fare of the train service that will run on a two-way trip once in a week.

The first train, named the 'Thar Express' will start on February 18 from Pakistan.

Earlier, it had been decided to resume the train link from February 4 but the plan failed to materialise because of the delay in completing necessary infrastructure including construction of stations and immigration centers.

Head of the Pakistani side, Additional General Manager, Pakistan Railways, Mushtaq Khan and his Indian counterpart Ashok Gupta told reporters after the meeting the talks were held in ''cordial and friendly atmosphere.'' This will be the second rail link between the two countries, which had resumed Samjhota Exoress linking Lahore with Attari in July 2003.

Source:

NEXT ARTICLE

NewsBusinessMoviesSportsCricketGet AheadDiscussionLabsMyPageVideosCompany Email