US supports Dhaka-Delhi-Lahore train service

Lalit K Jha

Washington, Sept 15 (PTI) Supporting India's proposal
to launch a South Asian regional train service between
Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, the United States has said
such ideas will break down barriers between the people of
these countries.

India's proposal for this South Asian train was
"technically approved" by Pakistan's railway ministry
yesterday and has now been forwarded to the ministries of
Foreign Affairs and Commerce for further evaluation.

"The US supports ideas such as this to break down
barriers to trade and interaction among the Pakistani and
Indian peoples," the State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told
PTI.

"Ultimately, however, it is up to the nations
concerned to determine the substance and pace of their
relations," Kelly said.

According to the Dawn news paper, the proposal was
floated by the Indian Railways two weeks ago. Experts believe
that Dhaka-Delhi-Lahore train service is a viable proposition.
The three countries have broad gauge railway tracks
and their operating systems are similar as they were
established by the erstwhile British rulers of the region. PTI
LKJ
DDC