PROJECT TITLE
Construction of Northern Railway Line
INTRODUCTION:
The railway line from Madawachchi to Kankasanthurai in the northern most part of the country was constructed and commissioned for traffic on 10th September 1905. thus providing a direct rail link to the North from the Southern region of Sri Lanka. This provided chief mode of transport to the people of the north to travel to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka and to the major cities in the south. This rail line was destroyed by the LTTE several times and the train service was completely ceased for operation after the 13th June 1990.
Now the Sri Lankan Government has given 1st priority for re-construction of this Railway Line and it has under taken by the ‘Uturu Mithuru’ Project. This project will consist of the relaying of track, rehabilitation or rebuilding of bridges and reconstruction of stations, new installation of signaling and communication system.
The re-construction of track has been divided into two sections:
| i. | Omanthai – Pallai (96 km) |
| ii. | Pallai – Kankasanthurai (56 km) |
PURPOSE / BENEFITS
 |
Bridging the gap between north and south |
|
Contribute towards economic and social progress in Northern area via enhanced access facilities to North |
|
Provision of an efficient and speedy transportation service to the commuters travelling to and from the Northern area |
|
Increase the revenue of the SL |
ESTIMATED COST
Track Construction
| i. | Omanthai – Pallai | - | US$ 185,346,708/= |
| ii. | Pallai – Kankasanthurai | - | US$ 245,041,184/= |
PRESENT STATUS
At present, trains are operating up to Thandikulam on Northern Railway Line. The rail track from Thanikulam to omantai is being constructed now by the railway Department.
From Omanthai to Kankasanthurai, the construction of track has been divided into two sections.
| 1. | Omanthei – Pallai (96 km) |
| 2. | Pallai – Kankasanthurai (56 km) |
Contract Agreement has already signed with India Railway Construction International Ltd. (IRCON) for construction the track section from Omanthei to Pallei. Agreement for construction the other track section will also be signed shortly.
Constructions of all railway stations are undertaken by various organizations.
PROJECT COMPLETION
It is expected to complete the project by end 2012.
