Delhi-Lahore bus service increased to three trips a week

New Delhi, Feb 21 (UNI) India and Pakistan today decided to increase the frequency of Delhi-Lahore bus service from two trips per week to three trips from each side with effect from March 17.

The two countries also decided to rationalise the bus fare and increase the quota for the return tickets from the existing six to 10 seats.

All these new arrangements will come into effect from March 17.

The decisions were taken at the first meeting of the India-Pakistan Standing Committee on Delhi-Lahore, Amritsar-Lahore and Amritsar-Nankana Sahib Bus Services, held here today.

The two sides agreed that enroute, the Amritsar-Nankana Sahib bus service would make a halt at Lahore to enable the passengers to disembark/embark whereas the Lahore-Amritsar bus service would continue to operate as per existing arrangement.

It was decided that the concerned financial officials of the two sides would meet every year, alternately in Delhi and Lahore, in July for reconciliation of accounts.

At the meeting, held in a ''friendly and cordial atmosphere'', both sides noted with satisfaction the continuing operations of the bus services and discussed further measures for its improvement.

The Indian delegation was led by Mr. Saroj Kumar Dash, Joint Secretary (Transport), Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, while the Pakistan delegation was led by Mr. Mohammad Abbas, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Communications.

UNI SKS SHB KN1802