Galle - Matara railway line:

Over 80 percent work over

Chaminda PERERA

The Railways Department yesterday said more than 80 percent of the Galle - Matara railway line upgrading project is complete. The project is expected to be completed in the first week of January. The coastal railway line will be upgraded to increase the speed from 70 Kmph to 100 Kmph under three phases.

The Indian Government provides US$ 76 million for the first phase of the project from Galle to Matara.

According to project Engineer, Priyantha Deegala the upgrading of the Galle - Matara railway line has been completed up to Weligama from Matara. A new signal system has also been installed and timber sleepers have been replaced with concrete sleepers.

He said the department will introduce new train services with the completion of this project. He said the travel time will also be reduced once the entire project is completed.

The Indian Government provides US$ 76 million for the implementation of the first phase of the project. The second phase includes the rehabilitation of the railway line from Galle to Kalutara while the third phase cover the railway line from Kalutara to Fort.

The project includes the upgrading of bridges and signal systems.

Transport Minister Kumara Welgama has instructed officials to expedite the project.

He said that the bad weather conditions experienced by the Matara and Galle districts during the past few days has impeded the project works.