Rail pact with Pak. extended by 3 years

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JAN. 21. India and Pakistan today agreed to extend the bilateral agreement on rail communications by three years. Both sides agreed to some minor modifications such as two extra coaches to the bi-weekly Samjhauta Express during the peak season, a truncated freight train comprising wagons of higher axle load and better quality coaches.

The pact, struck under a veil of secrecy, was more of a review of the '91 agreement as it left the salient features untouched. There was no agreement on increasing the present level of interchange of about one freight train per day.

The Pakistani side agreed to some changes such as more economy and sleeper class coaches while India concurred to the attachment of a maximum of two coaches during heavy rush. Responding to Indian concerns, the Pakistan Railways had last year agreed to guard the Indian Railways rake at Lahore so that it is not misused by anti-socials. Field level officials have been asked to meet regularly to sort out interchange problems at the borders.

The agreement, which will come into force with immediate effect, was signed by the leader of Indian delegation, Mr. S.S. Bhandari, Additional Member (Traffic) in Railway Board, and on the Pakistani side by Mr. Abdul Qayyum, Additional General Manager (Freight) of Pakistan Railways.

The train has twice suffered a break in service. The first took place for three days in '92 and the second for a longer period in '94. India has blamed the Pakistan Railways for stopping the service on both occasions.

The talks to review and renew the 1991 ``Samjhauta'' agreement began on January 17 and were concluded after a brief hiatus during which the Pakistani team visited Agra to see the Taj Mahal. The bilateral agreement was first struck in 1976 and was renewed in 1991. It was reviewed in 1994 and 1997.

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