The Hindu : National : Train, bus services to Pakistan suspended

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Saturday, Dec 29, 2007
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Train, bus services to Pakistan suspended

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: A day after the assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto that plunged her country into violence, India on Friday suspended train and bus services linking the two neighbours.

The Railway Ministry ordered cancellation of the Samjhauta Express and the Thar Express with immediate effect till further notice.

“The situation in Pakistan is grave. There were reports and visuals of protesters burning trains and indulging in violence following Ms. Bhutto’s killing. Safety of our passengers is our primary concern. On the advice of the Union Home Ministry, we have decided to temporarily suspend the services till the situation normalises in the neighbouring country,” said a Railway Ministry official on Friday.

“The Pakistan Railway has been informed of the decision. The suspension of the train services is temporary. If the situation in Pakistan becomes normal after a few days, we will restart the services immediately,” assured the official.

The Samjhauta Express (Delhi-Attari) runs twice a week, while the Thar Express (Jodhpur-Munabao) operates once a week.

The decision could spell trouble for passengers in India and Pakistan whose visas are due to expire.

Bus service

The Delhi-Lahore bus service run by the Delhi Transport Corporation was cancelled on Friday.

“As of now, the service has been suspended for Friday only. We are consulting the Ministry of External Affairs and will soon take a decision on its operation. The next bus to Lahore is due only on Tuesday next. By that time we will be able to decide what has to be done,” said a senior DTC official.

The bus service that was started with much fanfare on March 16, 1999, was suspended in December 2001 following the terrorist attack on Parliament. It was resumed on July 11, 2003.

The service is operated from Ambedkar Stadium bus terminal near Delhi Gate. There is a Delhi Transport Corporation bus every Tuesday and Friday and a Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation bus every Wednesday and Saturday.

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