LAHORE, Dec 30: Samjhota Express will run according to its schedule from Monday, while the Thar Express service between Khokrapar and Monabao will remain suspended.

A railways official told Dawn on Sunday that Indian authorities had decided to suspend operation of the Thar Express because of the law and order situation in Sindh.

“The international train will operate between Atari and Lahore and vice versa according to the schedule in effect from May 31. Comprising Indian coaches and locomotive the 401-Up Samjhota Express will be leaving Atari on Mondays and Thursdays while the 402-Down will start its journey from Lahore on Tuesdays and Fridays,” the officer said.

The 401-Up would reach Wagha border at 11.30am and Lahore at 2.10pm. The 402-Down would leave Lahore at 8.35am, reach Wagha after 35 minutes and start its journey to Atari at 11.30am.

The Rangers are responsible for the security of the Samjhota Express from Lahore to Wagha railway station and vice versa.

AFP adds: “The situation has improved. So, the government has allowed the services to be resumed,” said Anil Saxena, a spokesman for the Indian railways ministry.

The government was also likely to resume the Thar Express next week.

More than 400 passengers, mostly Pakistani nationals, were stranded in Jodhpur at the weekend because of the cancellation of the train that ran every Friday, the Press Trust of India reported.