Title - Abysmal condition of Thar Express a concern

Thar Express, the train which runs between India and Pakistan, is causing much worry to the security agencies in Munabao.
    The train’s condition, which has 1962-built coaches, has forced the security and intelligence agencies to take additional precautions to ensure its safe arrival in India.
    It is run by the Indian authorities for six months and the Pakistani authorities for the remaining months.
    The train, which is now being run by Pakistan from September 1, has old coaches made in China around 1962-63. The coaches, in the absence of maintenance and repair, have the wood paneling chipping off at corners. The metal body is rust-ridden and runs the risk of crumbling at any moment.
    GRP, which is the nodal security agency at Munabao station, the first stop for the train when it comes from Pakistan, is on alert.
    SP, GRP, P P Tak said extra precaution is being taken by the agencies with regard to the security of passengers.
    Besides coaches, the engine too has suffered technical glitches in the past, delaying the train by several hours. On September 1, the first train from Pakistan for this season arrived four hours late at Munabao after an engine failure.
    Sources said excess baggage is another worry for the security agencies. Currently, passengers are allowed to bring luggage up to 35kg, which agencies have objected to and asked for the limit to be capped at 20kg.
    Checking excess baggage causes inconvenience to the security agencies. Despite being a passenger train, most people carry heavy baggage as they pursue business interests in India. This practice needs to be stopped, said sources at GRP.