Tuesday, January 31 2006 18:12 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: India and Pakistan today(Jan 31,2006) reached an agreement to run the much-awaited 'Thar Express', the Khokhrapar-Munabao train service connecting Pakistan's southern Sindh province and Rajastan, from February 18.

"We have signed the agreement covering all technical aspects and the first train would be run from Feb 18," Ashok Gupta, Advisor Railway Board, heading the nine member Indian delegation told sources after the official-level talks.

Gupta signed the agreement today with his Pakistan counterpart, Mustaq Khan Jadoon after the two-day talks.

The agreement is modelled on the Smajhotha Express running between Attari-Lahore.

Rakes for the first six months would be provided by Pakistan and the remaining six months by India.