Indian Thar Express crosses into Pak

Munabao, Aug 19 (UNI) The first India-operated Thar Express crossed the international border into Pakistan this evening, about seven and half hours late from the sheduled time.

The train crossed the border for the first time after more than four decades, at about 1700 hrs.

The Thar Express starting from Munabao crossed over into Pakistan from gate No.814 at the international border, Railway sources said.

The two countires had suspended rail service in the aftermath of the Indo-Pak war in 1965. Following a thaw in the bilateral relations the service was restored on February 18.

According to the historic agreement reached between the two countries, during the first six months of the operation the train from Pakistan would travel into the Indian territory upto Munabao and the remaining six months the Indian bound train would cross over to Pakistan.

The Pakistani train had ferried passengers between Khokhrapar and Munabao until now.

Pakistan has constructed a new railway station close to the border at zero point.

Today's train is the first after India took charge of this service at the end of six months from its launch in February.

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