Matara - Beliatta Railway Extension Project:

China approves US$ 278.2 m

The People's Republic of China government has approved a loan of US$ 278.2 million through its Export-Import (Exim) Bank of China on concessional terms to finance construction of Matara - Beliatta Section (Phase I) of Matara - Kataragama Railway Extension Project.

Matara - Beliatta section consists the construction of 26.75 km single line broad gauge rail track including construction of structures such as culverts, bridges over rivers, viaducts required over the Nilwala river flood plain, level crossings, underpass boxes, road diversion,

four numbers of railway stations and functional requirements including construction of railway quarters for staff, earth embankments, cut embankments and ground treatment etc.

This is the first phase of the Matara - Kataragama Railway Extension Project.

It is expected to construct the railway line from Beliatta to Hambantota and Hambantota to Kataragama under phase II and phase III.

The construction of the new railway will provide an efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport to cater to the increasing demand for transport due to development in the Southern region with the operation of a new port and airport in Hambantota.