The Hindu Business Line : Train to Pak by Jan 1?

Mr S.B. Ghosh Dastidar, Additional Member-Traffic, Indian Railways (right), with Mr Muhammad Iqbal Khatri, Additional General Manager, Pakistan Railways, at the two-day India-Pakistan talks on restoration of rail link between the two countries at Rail Bhawan in the Capital on Thursday. — Ramesh Sharma

New Delhi , Dec. 18

THE two-day talks between Pakistan and India on resumption of train services between the two countries began here today amidst expectation that the Samjhauta Express will be back on track by January 1.

Informed sources said that December 25, which is the birthday of the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and January 1 were the two dates that are being considered for restoration of the rail link.

A formal announcement is expected only on Saturday after the two sides, led by Pakistan Railways Additional General Manager, Mr Mohammad Iqbal Khatri, and the Indian Railways Additional Member (Traffic), Mr S.B. Ghosh Dastidar, work out the nitty-gritty of restoring the rail services and sign the minutes of the meeting.

On their part, the Indian Railways are ready to start the rail services as soon as they get a green signal from the two Governments, the sources said.

The talks were held in a "cordial atmosphere" and both the sides are keen to take all steps to ensure peace, they said.

The Samjhauta Express had been suspended on January 1, 2002, after relations between the two countries turned sour in the wake of the December 13 attack on the Parliament in 2001.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication

Stories in this Section
Train to Pak by Jan 1?

LS passes Electricity Bill