Thar Express, the dream train of divided families, is running appallingly under-utilised. Reason: Non-existence of Indian Consulate General in Karachi to facilitate issuance of visa to the intending visitors to India, particularly those living in Sindh and Balochistan provinces.
This is the second rail link between Pakistan and India after the Lahore-Attari rail link through Wagah border, which was the first rail link established between the two countries and which is, according to reports, here is running most successfully.
On the inaugural run to Khokhrapar on February 17, the train carried about 50 revenue passengers holding Indian visa, issued by the Indian High Commission, Islamabad, followed by the second train, which left Karachi cantonment on February 24 with around 150 passengers.
Presently, it is a weekly service. The train leaves every Friday and returns on Sundays. Thar Express comprises seven carriages, including one first class sleeper, four-economy class bogies and two break-vans. The economy class bogies have a capacity of 72 passengers.
A large number of divided families, living in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas etc, had waited for decades for the opening of Khokhrapar route to be able to travel to India to meet their relatives.
They were delighted when the service was restored after 41 years following the India-Pakistan war when all the borders were sealed. Although the facility is now available, it is,however, not being utilised fully in the absence of visa facilities at Karachi.
For people living here and other cities of Sindh and Balochistan provinces, going to Islamabad for visa and coming back costs them a considerable amount. Instead, it is convenient for them to avail of the bus and train facilities available in Lahore. It is said that under arrangements, the opening of Indian Consulate in Karachi depended on the opening of Pakistan's Consulate in Mumbai. Both have to start functioning simultaneously.
The Indians are waiting for the Pakistan Consulate General to start functioning first. The delay is because of the difficulties being faced in finding proper premises.
According to information available here, accommodation was found in a commercial locality, but a local association went to the court on the plea that opening of Pakistan Consulate General would create security problems and those living in the neighbourhood and businesses would face hardships.
It is incumbent on the Indian government to assist Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi in finding some suitable accommodation for opening of Pakistan Consulate General. This would result in maximum utilisation of Thar Express.
The Indian government instead of playing to the gallery and harping on confidence building measures must ensure that the words are translated into reality and efforts seen on the ground. A large majority of people, living in the province of Sindh, is keen to travel to India via Khokhrapar, but non-availability of Indian visa facilities is the biggest handicap that is blocking the full utilisation of this facility.
Mediamen, who travelled upto Khokhrapar on the inaugural train, noticed lack of infrastructure facilities required for the functionaries belonging to police, anti-narcotics, Pakistan Customs, immigration, Pakistan Rangers and railways. There are no vendors and no eatables and potable water is available. Even the railway station has no permanent structure.
Residential accommodation is also not available for the functionaries belonging to various agencies who deal with the passengers. It is hoped that with the passage of time and increase in the number of customers, some kind of small township may emerge at Khokhrapar to cater to the needs of the passengers and staff on duty.