LAHORE, Aug 24: The operation of Thar Express was suspended by India on Thursday, stranding around 364 Indian and 2,000 Pakistani passengers in Karachi and Jodhpur, respectively, after the second rail link connecting the two countries was severed by floods.

Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid on Thursday said: “Arrangements are under way for the return of passengers through Wagah border as the rail link restoration may take a long time. “Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has issued directions in this regard,” the minister told this reporter by phone.

The Indian Ministry of Railways conveyed to its Pakistani counterparts on Thursday large stretches of track on the Munabao-Barmer-Jodhpur section had been inundated at many places, adding that a culvert had been washed away.

“The rail link’s restoration may be completed in about three weeks after the water recedes and the extent of damage is fully assessed. The operation of Thar Express will remain suspended for four trips, commencing from the one scheduled from Jodhpur on Aug 25 and between Munabao-Zero Point on Aug 26,” a Pakistan Railways spokesperson said.