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R.V. Moorthy

Rail link: The Railway Minister, Mr Lalu Prasad, during a meeting with the delegation of Pakistan Railway officers led by the Director Operations, Pakistan Railways, Mr Shafiqullah (second left) in New Delhi on Thursday. Also seen is Pakistani High Commissioner to India, Mr Shahid Malik (third left). —

Our Bureau

New Delhi, June 20 More freight trains might ply between India and Pakistan with the Railways delegations of both countries deciding to explore running of longer freight trains and container train services in a meeting here today.

At present two pairs of freight trains run between the two countries every day on the Wagah-Attari rail link. “The two sides have agreed to eventually increase the frequency of trains to five pairs per day,” said sources in the know, adding that India is keen to import more cement from Pakistan, which is relatively cheaper.

Several proposals to increase the level of freight interchange between India and Pakistan at Wagah and Attari were discussed, particularly with a view to increasing import of cement from Pakistan, said an official release.

They include running of increased number of freight trains between India and Pakistan and also to a time table, experimenting with longer trains, introducing some eight-wheeler wagons from Pakistan side, and exploring the possibility of running of container train between the two countries.

Introduction of freight services on the Munabao-Khokhrapar rail link was also discussed, a link which is used for passenger train services at present.

A Pakistani Railway Delegation today called on the Minister of Railways, Mr Lalu Prasad, here today. The High Commissioner of Pakistan in India, Mr Shahid Malik, was also present on the occasion.

The 6-member Pakistani delegation, led by Mr Shafiq Ullah, Director (Operation), Ministry of Railways, Pakistan Government, is visiting India in connection with the Inter Governmental Railway meeting between the Governments of India and Pakistan from June 17-19.

Mr Lalu Prasad impressed upon the need for increasing the interchange of freight trains in view of the increased trade between the two countries, especially of cement.

He also emphasised on the need for opening up Munabao-Khokhrapar route between Indian and Pakistan to freight services.

The nine-member Indian delegation was led by Mr R.N. Verma, Additional Member (Traffic), Ministry of Railways.

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