| India, Pak renew Samjhauta Express agreement | |
Sunday,
January 21 (New Delhi):
India and Pakistan today agreed to extend the Samjhauta Express train between the two countries for another three years. India, though, has not agreed to the Pakistani demand to allow the train to travel to Amritsar. The agreement was signed between the delegations from both sides after five days of deliberations. The agreement includes upgrading services by providing sleeper and economy class accommodation in the train. The Indian railways have also permitted attachment of two extra coaches in case of heavy rush. Pakistan railways have agreed to accept eight wagons of Indian railways, which would basically facilitate interchange of tonnage. Samjhauta Express--the only train service between India and Pakistan was originally meant to travel between Amritsar and Lahore. It now travels just three kilometres between Attari in India and Wagah in Pakistan. The Pakistani delegation refused to comment on the Samjhauta Express not being extended up to Amritsar but said that they were satisfied with the talks. "It has been possible for us to conclude the deliberations of discussion and signing of the agreement within five days despite the fact that it was long as far as the item wise review of the agreement is concerned," remarked the Additional General Manager (Freight), Pakistan Railways. |
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