Plans to extend Yaldevi train service

Irangika RANGE

The Government is planing to extend the Yaldevi train service from Vavuniya to Kankasenthurei.

Speaking to the Daily News, Railways Transport Superintendent, Wijaya Samarasinghe said that the Yaldevi train currently operates from Colombo to Vavuniya and with this extension, commuters living in the North will be vastly benefited.

"The railway track from Vavuniya to Kankasenthurei will be constructed by using local funds and resources and with the fullest support and blessings of all communities living in the North Province.

"A special discussion in this regard was conducted under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa by Transport Minister Dullas Allahapperuma with Ministerial officials and Railways Trade Unions recently," he added.

The project has been given a key priority among the massive development projects implemented by the Government in the North Province. The move will connect the people living in the South and North improving their unity, friendship, trust and cultural ties he said.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Railways will add new trains to the Trincomalee and Baticaloa fleet from February 15. He said that the trial run of the new train service has already been completed. "This is the greater opportunity for train commuters living in these areas as they have undergone a severe hardships for several decades.