Dutch aid to restore tsunami hit signal system

by Rajmi Manatunga

The signal system of the coastal railway line destroyed by the tsunami disaster will be restored with Dutch financial assistance.

Transport Minister Felix Perera said the Dutch Government has pledged euro 11 million as a grant for the restoration of the signal system.

The coastal railway line along with its newly set up signal system was washed away by the tsunami. Although the damaged rail track was reconstructed within 57 days of the tsunami, the signal system has not yet been restored. This has caused delays in train operations.

The Minister said N.M.A., a Dutch company will carry out the reconstruction of the signal system.

Meanwhile, the new Rs 12 million signal system between Kalutara North to Wadduwa on the coastal line was inaugurated by the Minister on Wednesday. Before the establishment of the new system, only one train could operate between the two railway stations at one time.