UMERKOT, Dec 12: State Minister for Railways Faqir Jadam Mangrio has said that he is optimistic that the relations between Pakistan and India would normalize soon and trade between the two countries throught Khokhrapar-Monabao border would also start.

He was speaking at a ceremony to rename Hiral railway station to Faqir Turko Mangrio halt near Dhoronaro on Friday.

He announced establishment of railway crossings at Sarhari and Hiral canals, Frush distributary (canal) and at other places in Umerkot district to avoid accidents. On a complaint, he ordered an inquiry into allegations of use of substandard material in the construction of a bridge over Hiral canal. Speaking on the occasion, the PML-F minister said that under the policy of national reconciliation, his party had set aside differences of 40 years and joined hands with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which would decrease tension that had developed during the last elections.

During stops of the minister’s special train at Dhoronaro, Sadhar, Hasisar and Soomrasar Halt, people demanded a stopover of Thar Express at Chhor or Khokhrapar and running special passengers trains between Mirpurkhas to Chhor and extending the route of Mehran Express to Chhor.

Mr Mangrio announced that special passenger trains would run between Mirpurkhas and Chhor. He said that stop of Mehran Express at Chhor was under consideration and stops of Thar Express would be considered keeping in view the security.

He ordered opening 10 closed stations between Mirpurkhas and Chhor ensuring the supply of tickets and deploying railway staff at Abdullah Abad, Balochabad, Saindad, Turko Mangrio, Sadhar, Haseesar, Soomrasar, New Chhor, Jalu Jo Chonro, Parchi ji Veri halts.

He said that most of the railway properties were in the possession of land mafia, which would be evacuated soon. He said that presently Pakistan Railways was facing a deficit of Rs2,800 million.

On the occasion, District Nazim Faqir Maghan Mangrio announced dispensary, link road and upgrade of middle school at Faqir Turko halt.