Freight trains between India and Pakistan likely to increase

NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan agreed to work modalities for increasing the number of freight trains between them to boost trade as railways officials of India and Pakistan wrapped their three-day talks here on Thursday.

"Talks ended on a positive note," said a senior Indian Railway Ministry official.

"Freight operations between the two countries are likely to increase in the near future as both sides agreed to work out the modalities for the same," said the official.

Currently, there are only two freight trains operating in a day in Wagah-Attari border route between the two countries. "It is expected to increase to five," said the official.

The six-member Pakistan delegation which had come to India for talks met Railway Minister Lalu Prasad. The High Commissioner of Pakistan Shahid Malik was also present on the occasion.

Prasad impressed upon the need for increasing the movement of freight trains between the two countries in view of increased bilateral trade, especially India's import of cement whos domestic prices have been soaring.

He also emphasized on the need for opening up Munnabao-Khokrapar route between India and Pakistan for freight services.

While the Pakistani delegation was led by Shafiq Ullah, Director Operation, Pakistan Railways, the Indian side was led by R N Verma, Addlitional Member (Traffic), Indian Railways