Fast track construction for $ 230 m Thalaimannar rail line in north

The Government has decided to expedite the reconstruction work of the railway line between Medawchchiya and Thalaimannar.

Following a visit this week to inspect the construction work, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said that it is the Government’s objective to provide all facilities enjoyed by the people of the south to their colleagues in the north as well and therefore the Government has given priority for improving the transport services in the north.

The construction of the Medawchchiya-Thalaimannar line will be carried out in two phases.

In the first phase, expected to be completed in March 2013, the 43-kilometre Medawchchiya to Madhu segment will be constructed at a cost of US$ 81.3 million. About 65% of the construction work under the phase one has already been completed.

The second phase will construct the 63 kilometres of rail line from Madhu to Thalaimannar at a cost of US$ 149 million. About 40% of the work has been completed and it is expected to be completed by September 2013.

The Indian Railway Construction Company Limited (IRCON) is carrying out the construction work of both stages of the project, which is being financed under a US$ 425 million credit facility from India.

Transport Minister Kumara Welgama, Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa, Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha also participated in the inspection.