Lanka heading towards strong growth - S. L. Gupta

H.D.H Senewiratne

Sri Lanka has a good business environment and the absence of mafia operations, had been a plus point to move the economy. This had helped them complete reconstructions of the Northern railway line, which they were involved in on or before schedule, General Manager Ircon International Limited, S L Gupta said.

“With the end of the three decade war, Sri Lanka is now heading towards a strong economic growth. Due to the good governance and government's support, they could complete their railway and other development projects on time, which amounts to more than US$ 652 million,” Gupta told the Daily News Business.

He said that the Indian Government had committed a sum of US $ 800 million through the Indian Line of Credit for the Northern Development, out of which the Government of Sri Lanka had given priority to the Northern railways, which they had already undertaken for five projects covering more than 250 km, he said.

Gupta said that the five projects were: Medawachchiya - Madhu railway line, Omanthi - Pallai line, Madhu Road - Talaimannar, Pallai – Kankesanthurai railway line and signaling and as well as telecommunication work.

He said the main features of these railway tracks were: all rail joints have been minimized, using modern welding technology, the usage of concrete sleepers, instead of the traditional wooden sleepers, designed speed potential of 120 kmph, with smooth and comfortable riding quality.

“Cast Manganese Steel crossings with standard turnouts, long welded rails with switch expansion joints, panel interlocking, flash butt welding, etc are just a few of the modern features of the new track,” Gupta said.

He also said that due to the latest technologies and material used for the construction, the railway could now have a durable railway track, with minimum maintenance, offering a quality journey to its commuters.

Gupta said that the opening of this segment of 43 km of track between Medawachchiya and Madhu road, which has been a part of the Northern Rail Linking Project of 252km, would fulfill the needs of the local public who have long been waiting for the restoration of the rail link which had been destroyed during the past 30 years of war.

He said that for all construction projects, they recruit Sri Lankan workers apart from Indian workers to assist the livelihood for those people. With the opening of the railway, the entire Northern area would benefit from medium to long tern perspective.

Ircon International Limited, is a 100 persent Indian Government owned entity, which managers the Indian railways as well. Apart from that, the company operates in many parts of countries in the world.