LAHORE, Oct 19: The operation of the Thar Express, running between Munabao in India and Zero Point in Pakistan, is likely to resume from December 23.

“There will be no operation of the … train till December 16 as restoration work is being carried out on Monabao-Jodhpur section. However, additional coaches will be added to the Samjhota Express to facilitate passengers’ movement between India and Pakistan,” said a Pakistan Railways spokesperson on Thursday quoting from a commnique received from the Indian Railways.

The Thar Express operation had to be suspended from Aug 25 after large stretches of track on Monabao-Barmer-Jodhpur section had submerged under deep water, damaging the track at several places and washing away a culvert.

The Indian ministry of railways conveyed to its Pakistani counterparts on August 24 that restoration of the rail link might take three weeks or so after the water receded and the extent of damage was assessed.

The Indian railway authorities informed their Pakistani counterparts on September 13 that heavy rains in Rajasthan had caused extensive breaches, resulting in further disruption of trains’ operations.