Introduction / Context:
The Thar Express is an important rail link between India and Pakistan, connecting the two countries across the border in the Thar desert region. For international train services, special stations are designated for immigration and customs checks. This question tests your knowledge of the specific railway station used for these formalities on the Thar Express route.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The train service is the Thar Express running between Pakistan and India.
- We are asked to identify the railway station used for immigration and customs checks.
- Options list Jalal Marri, Zero Point, Lal Pir, and Gujar Garhi stations.
- We assume the standard route and procedures used when the service operates.
Concept / Approach:
International trains require both countries to process passports and customs declarations at designated border stations. On the Thar Express route, Zero Point railway station is located near the international border on the Pakistan side and is specifically used for immigration and customs checks for passengers travelling between the two countries. Recognising this fact from current affairs or geography study allows you to choose correctly.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Thar Express connects Bhagat ki Kothi in India with Karachi in Pakistan via the Munabao Khokhrapar border.
Step 2: Remember from maps and news that Zero Point railway station lies right at or very near the border on the Pakistan side.
Step 3: Note that immigration and customs checks for international train passengers are concentrated at this Zero Point station.
Step 4: Look at the options and identify Zero Point railway station as the one associated with immigration and customs procedures.
Step 5: Select Zero Point railway station as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
News articles, official railway information, and exam oriented explanations about the Thar Express clearly state that Zero Point railway station handles immigration and customs checks for passengers. The station is situated close to the India Pakistan border and its very name suggests a border point. Competitive exam guides regularly include this as a current affairs fact linked to Indo Pak rail services, confirming the correctness of the answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Jalal Marri railway station: This is not the main immigration and customs station used for the Thar Express route.
Lal Pir railway station: Although a real station in Pakistan, it is not designated for Thar Express immigration and customs checks.
Gujar Garhi railway station: Again, not the station where passengers undergo these formalities for this particular train service.
Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes candidates guess based on unfamiliar sounding names rather than recalling the fact. Another pitfall is confusing the border station on the Indian side, Munabao, with the dedicated immigration customs station on the Pakistani side. The name Zero Point is strongly associated with the Thar Express in most exam materials. Remembering this pairing can help answer similar questions quickly.
Final Answer:
Immigration and customs checks for Thar Express passengers are carried out at
Zero Point railway station.
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