Amid reports that Pakistan has suspended Samjhauta Express in the aftermath of India doing away with Article 370 giving special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Railways on Thursday maintained that the train that runs between the two neighbouring nations has not been suspended and has reached Attari.
‘Though, Pakistan authority has raised some concerns with regards to security for crew and guard of the Samjhauta Express, we have told them that there is normal situation this side. The train has reached Attari at 1715 hrs,’ CPRO Northern Railways Deepak Kumar confirmed to reporters here.
Engine was attached on the train and it departed after security and custom clearance from Wagah, he added.
‘Samjhauta Express plies between Lahore & Attari which is still continuing. Pakistan authorities had raised issues regarding security of the train’s crew & guard. We have told them that situation this side is perfectly normal,’ he added.
There are about 110 passenger coming to India from Pakistan and on our side, ‘we have about 70 passengers for travelling to the other side’, he said.
Meanwhile, Railway sources at Attari said train services have not being stopped. As Pakistan’s driver and guard refused to come to India, they sent us a message to send engine with Indian crew and guard.
The Samjhauta Express is a bi-weekly train that runs between Delhi and Attari in India on Thursday and Monday and Lahore in Pakistan.
