New Delhi, January 6
India and Pakistan today decided to commence the Khokhrapar (Sind)-Munabao (Rajasthan) train service, christened “Thar Express” from February 1.

The decision was taken at the end of the two-day technical-level talks between the two sides on the rail link. A joint statement released at the end of the talks said, “The rake for this service will be provided alternately by Indian and Pakistan Railways on a six-month 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.”

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 the agreement.