Yal Devi operates to KKS from next year

Irangika RANGE

Yal Devi, the popular Northern line express train from Colombo Fort to Jaffna will resume its journey to Kankesanthurai in 2013.

Transport Minister Kumara Welagama said the Yal Devi train which now operates between Colombo and Omanthai via Vavuniya on the peace path to the North will operate to Kankesanthurai from next year. 'The extension of the rail track beyond Vavuniya and the rebuilding of stations are now in progress', the minister said.

Accordingly, to reach Kankesanthurai in Jaffna, 159 kilometers of the rail track had to be rebuilt from Vavuniya.

It includes 16 railway stations, 12 sub stations and 85 bridges.

India has pledged a line of credit of $ US 800 million at a concessional rate for various aspects of the Northern railway project.