Renovating the Maho-Omanthai stretch of the Northern Railway Line, which had been overlooked for years, commenced today (Jan 08) at the Medawachchiya railway station.

It is estimated that it would take at least 05 months to complete the renovations.

Hence, the Kankesanturai-bound trains from Colombo Fort will travel only up to Anuradhapura railway station until the completion of the upgrading of the tracks, according to the Department of Railways.

Accordingly, trains will not be up and running on the Anuradhapura-Vavuniya stretch of the Northern Railway Line during this period.

Upgrading of the railway tracks is handled by India’s state-run Indian Railway Construction International (IRCON), under an Indian credit line of USD 91.27 million.

Under the first phase of this project, a stretch of 48km on the railway line from Anuradhapura to Vavuniya will be renovated, and subsequently, a stretch of 31km up to Omanthai will be upgraded.

Following its completion, trains can be operated at a speed of 100kmph and the duration of the journey is expected to be reduced by one hour.

While the Anuradhapura-Omanthai stretch of the railway line remains closed for five months, the Transport & Highways Ministry will take measures to provide necessary public transport facilities to the general public by deploying SLTB and privately-owned buses between these two destinations.

 
Meanwhile, Minister of Transport & Highways Bandula Gunawardena engaged in religious observations at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura, prior to the commencement of the renovations.

He was joined by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay, the general manager of railways and several ministerial officials.

The lawmaker appreciated the continued support India has provided to Sri Lanka during challenging times.

Commenting on the matter, the Indian envoy stated that this would further strengthen the friendship between the two nations and help provide efficient public transportation service to the people of Sri Lanka.