(a) whether the Government have agreed to ply more goods trains between India and Pakistan;
(b) whether India and Pakistan have also held talks in this regard;
(c) if so, the details and outcome thereof;
(d) the total number of goods trains proposed to be added to the present system of goods carriage; and
(e) the total number of goods trains plying between the two countries at present?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI R. VELU)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): Yes, Sir.
(c) & (d): Delegations of Governments of India and Pakistan met in New Delhi from October 31 to November 2, 2006 and following major decisions were taken:-
# Both sides agreed to make efforts to increase the level of interchange of freight traffic.
# The Indian delegation proposed for starting freight trains via Munabao-Khokrapar. Pakistan delegation informed that as and when the necessary facilities have been developed, the proposal for opening of Munabao-Khokrapar route for freight traffic could be discussed and decided.
(e): There is capacity constraint on Pakistan Railways at Wagah. The interchange of goods trains between India and Pakistan via Attari-Wagah route depends on the acceptance of these trains by Pakistan Railway. During the month of November, 2006, a total of 17 goods trains were interchanged between India and Pakistan.