Thar Express linking Rajasthan and Sindh to begin

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has conveyed to India its decision to begin the operation of the Thar Express that links Munabao in Rajasthan to Kokharapar in Sindh from February 17.

Confirming the decision, Pakistan Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said, "I would personally welcome my Indian counterpart Lalu Prasad Yadav if he comes to Pakistan by travelling on the Thar Express".

He said India has set February 17 as the deadline to re-start the suspended train operation on the sector.

"It's a welcome sign that India has expressed willingness to restart the train operation," state run APP quoted him as saying on Wednesday.

The train was cancelled last year due to heavy floods in Rajastan.