The international train service called the Thar Express, running between India and Pakistan, originates in India from which railway station or city?

Introduction / Context:
Cross border train services between India and Pakistan have historical and diplomatic significance, and they often appear in general knowledge questions. The Thar Express is one such train service connecting Rajasthan in India with Sindh in Pakistan through the desert region. This question asks you to identify the Indian city or station from which the Thar Express originates, testing your knowledge of important transport links and their geographic locations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The train is the Thar Express, a service between India and Pakistan.- The Indian terminus must be located in the state of Rajasthan.- The options include several cities and towns from Rajasthan plus Jaipur as a major city.- We assume awareness that the Thar Express route lies in the western desert region.

Concept / Approach:
The Thar Express in India operates from Bhagat Ki Kothi station near Jodhpur in Rajasthan and proceeds toward the border before continuing into Pakistan. Jodhpur is a major city in western Rajasthan and serves as the Indian point of origin for this train service. While towns like Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner are also located in the Thar desert region, they are not the designated originating stations for the Thar Express. Jaipur is the state capital but not part of this specific international route. Therefore, Jodhpur is the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Identify that the Thar Express connects India and Pakistan through the desert region, so its Indian station must be in western Rajasthan.2. Recall that Bhagat Ki Kothi near Jodhpur is mentioned in news and exam material as the starting point of the Thar Express.3. Note that Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner, while located in the Thar desert, are not officially cited as the originating station in standard references.4. Recognise that Jaipur, though important, lies more centrally and is not the desert border terminus for this route.5. Conclude that Jodhpur is the Indian city from which the Thar Express originates and select it as the correct option.

Verification / Alternative check:
Railway timetables, official press releases and general knowledge books clearly state that the Thar Express runs from Bhagat Ki Kothi (Jodhpur) in India to Munabao on the Indian side of the border and then onward to Pakistan. This information is consistently presented across multiple sources, confirming that Jodhpur is the Indian origin point for the service rather than any other city listed among the options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Jaisalmer: an important desert tourist town, but not the official starting station for the Thar Express.- Bikaner: another major city in Rajasthan, yet the train does not originate here.- Barmer: close to the border but still not the designated origin station in standard timetables.- Jaipur: the state capital with many train services, but not the origin of this particular international train.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes guess Jaisalmer or Barmer because they associate the Thar desert with these towns and assume the train must start there. Others may choose Jaipur simply because it is the most familiar city in Rajasthan. To avoid such errors, memorise the specific fact that the Thar Express originates from Bhagat Ki Kothi near Jodhpur. Linking the name Thar Express with Jodhpur in your mind ensures quick and accurate recall in the exam hall.

Final Answer:
On the Indian side, the Thar Express originates from Jodhpur (Bhagat Ki Kothi station) in Rajasthan.