Indian team reaches Wagah for Kartarpur Corridor talks

India and Pakistan to hold a meet on Kartarpur corridor today. The Indian team crossed the Wagah border for holding the second round of talks with their Pakistani counterparts to finalise modalities for the Kartarpur Corridor and related technical issues. India is looking forward to the upcoming talks with Pakistan and will take up a number of key issues including infrastructure, pilgrims' movement and safety.

Wagah: The Indian team crossed the Wagah border on Sunday for holding the second round of talks with their Pakistani counterparts to finalise modalities for the Kartarpur Corridor and related technical issues.

According to sources, more than 20 Pakistani officials are taking part in the meeting, which is headed by Dr Mohammad Faisal, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sources said that a presentation will be given by the Pakistan side to the Indian delegation.

Government sources in New Delhi said that India is looking forward to the upcoming talks with Pakistan and will take up a number of key issues including infrastructure, pilgrims' movement and safety.

One of the main points expected to be raised in the discussion would be India's demand for the construction of a bridge by Pakistan in the creek area. India has raised concerns regarding the possible flooding of Dera Baba Nanak due to the construction of an embankment-filled road on the Pakistani side.

While India has already been building a bridge on its side to provide all-weather connectivity for the Kartarpur corridor, it has urged Pakistan to build a similar bridge on their side as it would provide safe and secure movement of the pilgrims while also addressing concerns over flooding.

The other key issues on the table would be the number of pilgrims allowed to access the corridor, safe and unhindered movement of pilgrims throughout the year, whether they would travel as individuals or groups, and whether they would travel by transport or foot.

Additionally, India will spend Rs 500 crore to build the corridor. The money would be spent, among other things, on installing a high tech security and surveillance system to ensure the safety of pilgrims and creating an all-weather facility to cater to 10,000 pilgrims on special occasions and 5000 pilgrims on a daily basis.

The first round was held on March 14 on the Indian side of the Attari-Wagah border, during which issues like finalisation of the draft agreement between the two countries were discussed.

The second round of talks on the corridor was announced after the re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.