Track upgrade to shut Anuradhapura-Vauvniya  train service for 5 months

Train services on the northern line will end at Anuradhapura from 5 January 2023

Text and picture by P.D. De Silva

Train service on the northern railway line will be terminated at Anuradhapura for five months from 5 January to enable much required upgrading of the track between Anuradhapura and Omanthai.

Passengers travelling beyond Anuradhapura will be provided with onward bus services while an office train is to ply between Kankesanthurai and Vauvniya.

Transport, Highways and Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena told journalists that the upgrading of the 130 km of track between Maho in the Northwestern Province and Omanthai in the Northern Province will be carried out by IRCON International, a subsidy of the Indian Railway at a cost of $ 91.3 million under a special Indian Credit line was to commence on 29 November 2019 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) has been appointed as consultants to the project.

The existing track between Anuradhapura and Omanthai is over 117 years old and upgrading will include 12 crossing stations, eight halt stations, 213 culverts, 90 bridges and 80 level crossings.

The modernisation will enable trains to run on the line at a maximum speed of 120 kmph which double the current permissible level of 60 kmph, reduce maintenance costs on the line and boost passenger comfort.