Date:20/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/20/stories/2008062055991300.htm

National

Lalu for more freight trains between India and Pakistan

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Lalu Prasad on Thursday called for increasing the interchange of freight trains between India and Pakistan and opening of the Munabao-Khokhrapar route between the two nations for such services.

Mr. Prasad, who met a Pakistani Railway delegation here, said that in view of increased bilateral trade and business activities it was necessary to allow more freight trains.

Possibilities of running trains on longer routes should be explored to help the growth of economies of both nations.

Talking to the six-member Pakistani delegation, Mr. Prasad discussed the present scenario of rail operations and steps that could be taken to improve the passenger and freight services. The team was led by Ministry of Railway Director (Operation) Shafiq Ullah and included High Commissioner Shahid Malik.

Earlier, the railway delegations from India and Pakistan held discussions on issues regarding running of both freight and passenger services in a cordial atmosphere and spirit of cooperation.

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

Other issues discussed in the meeting included the running of more freight trains at regular timings and experimenting with running of longer trains.