RailEnquiry

JAISALMER: There has been an unprecedented reduction in the number of travelers using the Thar Express between Karachi and Bhagat Ki Kothi in Rajasthan since the death of Sarabjit Singh and the retaliatory attack on Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah Ranjay in Jammu's Kot Bhalwal jail, which killed him on Thursday.

The number of Indians visiting Pakistan has reduced by up to 50% with several observers saying this might also be owing to elections and the spiraling violence in that country. Thar Express is a once-a-week service and the average number of passengers from both the countries that use it is around 500. Their numbers have come down to less than 300.

A senior railway official at Munabao station said that elections and the changing situation in Pakistan have caused a sharp decline in the number of Indians taking the Karachi-bound train. The number of Pakistanis coming in, too, has reduced, but not quite as much as the number of Indians. But those chary of coming to India are worried about the vitiated atmosphere after the attacks on the two prisoners.

"With the changing situation, Indian travelers are avoiding travelling to Pakistan and a sense of insecurity is increasing among them," said the official. "Security has also been beefed up at Munabao and Bhagat Ki Kothi railway station," he added. "There are extraordinary arrangements in place to check the baggage of passengers."

On May 4, only 100 passengers went to Pakistan. Before that, on April 28, 134 passengers went to Pakistan. In the normal course, between 250 and 300 Indian passengers take this train to Pakistan and a similar number from Pakistan visit India.

"Along with increasing facilities for passengers at Munabao and Bhagat Ki Kothi railway stations, security has been beefed up," said Railway Protection Force commandant Ashish Mishra. "A proposal has been made for new enclosures at Kothi. Additional baggage scanners have been sought," he added.

Barmer SP Rahul Barhat said a police check post has been opened at Munabao railway station. Police are keeping vigil as a precautionary measure.

"All efforts are being made to ensure that no untoward incident takes place and strict watch is being kept at Munabao," said Barmer SP Rahul Barhat.