M A I N   N E W S

WB clears $ 743m for India

WASHINGTON, April 26 (PTI) — The World Bank has sanctioned $ 743.68 million for various development schemes in India, including a power restructuring project to be undertaken in UP.

The amount includes $ 467.38 million equivalent of soft loans through the IDA and two World Bank projects worth $ 276.30 million.

The World Bank Executive Board cleared a loan worth $ 150 million for the UP restructuring project which will support the initiation of the power sector reform process through the establishment of a new legal, regulatory and institutional framework, the creation of new power corporations and the framing of guidelines for the privatisation of the distribution business.

It has also cleared the UP fiscal reform and public sector restructuring project with an IDA credit of $ 125 million equivalent and $ 126.3 million of World Bank loan.

The project will assist UP in implementing comprehensive reforms in public expenditure management.

Samjhauta’s run extended
From Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service

WAGAH, April 26 — On the categorical assurance given by the Government of Pakistan that foolproof security would be provided to Indian rakes during its night halt at Lahore, the Indian Railways agreed to extend the run of Samjhauta Express up to Lahore.

The agreement was reached between the Indian Railways and the Pakistan Railways during two and half hour-long meeting, held at Wagha joint check post (on Pakistan side) today. This agreement would come into effect from May 4.

While the Indian Railways agreed to provide rolling stock for six months, the Pakistan Railways agreed to provide power engine along with crew, guards and other staff till the renewal of agreement after six months.

As per the agreement signed between Indian and Pakistan railways on April 14, the train’s run was between Wagha and Attari. With this Samjhauta Express had earned the distinction of world’s shortest running train. The distance between Attari and Wagha is only 3 km.