Archives

by Ranil Wijayapala

Train services on the Batticaloa line will be extended further from Velikanda to Valachchenai following the restoration of the track by the end of this month, General Manager of Railways Priyal de Silva told the Daily News yesterday.

The Department is repairing this 33 Kilo metre long track by using the resources available with the Department without any additional cost incurred, he said.

The restoration of the signal system and the railway station on this line should also be completed prior to the commencing train services.

He said the Department is ready to extend train services up to Valachchenai within the first week of March once security clearance is given by the Government for the operation of trains.

Priyal de Silva said the restoration of the rail track from Valachchenai to Batticaloa has also been considered and necessary funds should be allocated as the Department cannot afford the restoration of this 30 Km track with the available resources.

The necessary funds for this purpose will be allocated after discussions with the Transport Minister, he added.

The department is optimistic that train services can be fully restored on the Batticaloa Line by the end of March with the completion of repairs, he added.

The train services on the Batticaloa Line was confined only to Polonnaruwa and measures were taken to extend train services on the Batticaloa line up to Velikanda last month after a lapse of several years. 

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager