Northern railway reconstruction from Pallai to KKS:

Sri Lanka, India sign commercial agreement

Irangika RANGE

Sri Lanka signed a commercial agreement with India yesterday for the reconstruction of the Northern Railway Line from Pallai to Kankesanthurai (KKS) that was destroyed during the conflict.

The 55 kilometre track from Pallai to Kankesanthurai will be reconstructed at a cost of US $ 150 million provided by the Indian government at concessional terms as part of Indian Line of Credit of US$ 800 million.

IRCON International, a leading construction firm in India has undertaken the track- laying work on the Medawachchiya - Madhu Road,

Madhu Road - Thalaimannar, Omanthai - Pallai and the southern railway line sections will also be reconstructed.

Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said that the northern people are eagerly waiting to see the Yal Devi train travel up to Kankasanthurei. That is why, the Transport Ministry decided to expedite the Northern railway track project.

"We expect to complete the construction within the next two years," the minister said. "This will also help to reduce the traffic congestion," he added. The government has realized the impotence of developing the public transport system.

Therefore, huge amounts of money will be allocated through the upcoming budget to uplift the railway service for the benefit of the public. Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Ashok K. Kantha said a joint venture between India and Sri Lanka to construct the Northern railway line is a landmark in the relations of the two nations.