Thar Link Express receives extension for three more years

India and Pakistan have extended agreement of Thar Link Express, second solitary rail service between both countries for three more years i.e. till 2021. The Thar Express links Jodhpur (India) and Karachi (Pakistan) via Munabao (Rajasthan)-Khokhrapar (Sindh province) border crossing and carries only passengers.
Thar Link Express is Indian portion of international passenger train operated weekly by Indian Railway using its own coaches and locomotives, between Jodhpur and Munabao. Passengers from Munabao clear customs and are transported to across border to Zero Point station where Thar Express takes passengers to Karachi, Pakistan.

Background

The agreement to link the two countries by rail service through Munabao-Khokhrapar link was signed in 2006 to facilitate people-to-people contact. It was set to expire in March 2018, but has now been extended to January 31, 2021.  The Munabao-Khokhrapar link was destroyed during 1965 war between two countries but the service was again revived after 41 years in February 2006.

India and Pakistan Rail service

India and Pakistan currently have only two trans-border trains. They are

• Samjhauta Express: Operates on Delhi-Lahore route via Attari-Wagah border crossing. It carries both passengers and freight.
• Thar Express: It links Jodhpur (India) and Karachi (Pakistan) via Munabao-Khokhrapar border crossing. It carries only passengers.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2018