Rail track to expand upto Madhu

Irangika Range

The government will construct the rail track beyond Medawachchiya upto Madhu Shrine by next year for the benefit of Madhu pilgrims, Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said.

The rail track is being laid between Medawachchiya and Madhu. A new signal system will also be installed to improve and regularize railway transportation.

Construction will cost US$ 81.3 million and funds will be provided from a soft loan by the Indian government. The project includes six railway stations. The Indian government-owned IRCON International had begun work on upgrading a 42km section of the Medawachchiya-Madhu rail track.

Minister Welgama added that the government has given priority to reconstruct rail tracks in the North which were destroyed by LTTE terrorists.

This will increase speed from 15 kmph to 75-80 kmph allowing more trains to run and carry more passengers reducing traffic congestion on roads.