New Delhi, June 19: India and Pakistan on Thursday agreed to increase the number of freight trains operating between the two countries through the Lahore-Attari border route from the current two pairs to five pairs per day over the next few months.

The understanding was reached on the concluding day of the two-day inter-governmental talks between representatives of the Indian Railways and their Pakistan counterparts. The Indian side had been pushing for an increase in frequency of freight trains on this route primarily with the objective of increasing the cement imports from Pakistan to stabilise rising prices within the country.

Both sides also agreed to introduce a timetable for freight trains operating on the Lahore-Attari route, in addition to experimenting with running of longer trains. Introduction of eight-wheeler wagons from Pakistan side and exploring the possibility of running container trains between the two countries were also discussed. The Indian side also proposed the introduction of freight services on the Munabao-Khokhrapar route.

Earlier in the day, the visiting Pakistan Railway Delegation called on Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. Pakistan’s High Commissioner in India Shahid Malik was present on the occasion. Yadav stressed the need for increasing the interchange of freight trains between the India and Pakistan in view of the increased trade between the two countries especially of cement. He also emphasised the need for opening up Munabao-Khokhrapar route for freight services.