A meeting was held in the PMO today to expedite action relating to improvement of the infrastructure at Attari Railway Station and Wagah international border in Punjab.

2. The Trade and Economic Relations Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved several initiatives for improving trade with Pakistan. Upgradation of the infrastructure at Attari and Wagah is an essential part of this effort as the present infrastructure is inadequate even to meet the existing requirements and will fall woefully short in view of the exponential increase that is anticipated in the future. PM had therefore announced various initiatives during his visit to Amritsar on March 24, 2006 in connection with the launch of the Amritsar-Nankana Sahib Bus Service.

3. During the meeting, which was attended among others by Home Secretary, Foreign Secretary and Chief Secretary Punjab, it was decided that Cabinet approval would be obtained for four-laning of the road from Attari to Wagah. RITES and IL&FS have been appointed Consultants for preparing a comprehensive plan for the upgradation of the Attari Railway Station and Wagah international border. The reports of the Consultants will be taken up for implementation within a period of two months. The necessary funds would be provided by Ministry of Railways, MHA, Finance Ministry and other concerned Ministries.

4. It was noted that security fencing and construction of road along the Railway track and from Attari to the international border are already under implementation. The arrival and departure timings of trains at Attari have been revised in order to bring down waiting time. It was decided that attempts would be made to further reduce the waiting time. CS, Punjab assured that the land acquisition required for widening of the road and development of off-port facilities in the hinterland would be taken up on war footing by the Government of Punjab. In particular, widening of the road leading to Attari Railway Station will be completed by June 30, 2006.