The Railway delegations of India and Pakistan met on 5th & 6th
January 2006 in New Delhi to finalise the modalities for
operationalising the rail link between Munabao in India and the
newly established Railway station near Khokhrapar in Pakistan.
The Indian delegation was led by Shri Ashok Gupta, Adviser/Traffic,
Ministry of Railways, Government of India, and the Pakistan
delegation was led by Mr. Saleem-ur-Rahman Akhoond, General Manager,
Pakistan Railways.
The talks were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere.
This passenger train between the two countries will be called “THE
THAR EXPRESS”.
Both sides discussed a draft Agreement pertaining to the modalities
of the running of the train. An Indian delegation will visit
Pakistan before the end of January 2006 for the signing of this
Agreement.
The two delegations have also agreed to commence the train
operations on this route from 1st February 2006.
The rake for this service will be provided alternately by Indian and
Pakistan Railways on a six monthly basis. For the first six months,
the Pakistan train will cross into India to Munabao. Thereafter, the
Indian train will cross into Pakistan to Zero Point Railway Station
near Khokhrapar. This six monthly process will be repeated
alternately.
New Delhi
January 6, 2006
