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Bus to Lahore will make final dry run on Friday

The Delhi-Lahore bus will have its final 14-hour dry run tomorrow and the four-times-a-week service will start later this month, Delhi Transport Minister Parvez Hashmi said today.

"Only those with valid visas will be allowed to undertake the journey," Hashmi told a press conference.

Only those who have relations in the other country are entitled to get visas. No tourist visas are allowed though both countries do issue special visas to businessmen, journalists, and artistes.

About 30 officials of the central government, particularly the Union home ministry, and the Delhi administration will be on board the bus during its dry run.

After the dry run from the Indian side, Pakistan will carry out a similar one. "We will be ready to start the regular service any day after January 20 with the clearance of the Union home ministry," Hashmi said.

The bus with a capacity for 36 passengers will run from the capital on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It will leave Delhi at 6am IST and is expected to cover the distance of 500km to Lahore in about 14 hours.

"The fare, including breakfast, lunch and, if needed, dinner and mineral water will be around Rs 600 per passenger," the minister said.

UNI

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