Indian help for Southern rail modernisation

by Rajmi Manatunga

The Colombo-Matara coastal railway line is to be modernised with Indian financial assistance.

Under the project the 160 kilometre rail track will be upgraded and the existing double railway line will be extended up to Matara, a Transport Ministry spokesman told the Daily News.

"The Indian government will provide funds for the project through the Indian Credit Line. Transport Minister A.H.M. Fowzie has accompanied President Mahinda Rajapakse to India to finalise arrangements regarding the project," he said.

According to the Ministry, commuters will be able to reach Matara in two hours after the modernisation of the railway line. Presently, it takes over three hours to travel to Matara by train owing to speed limits imposed on the coastal line.

"After upgrading the track we hope to extend the double line facility on the coastal line up to Matara," he said.

"Today, the facility is available only from Colombo to Kalutara North.

"This would help the Railways to avoid delays," he added.