Construction of a New Railway Track from Kurunegala to Habarana via Dambulla
Background:
The construction of a new Railway Track from Kurunegala to Habarana via Dambulla was identified as a key project in the ‘MahindaChintanaya’ Development Framework 2006 – 2016 which would enhance the development of the rail road transport infrastructure in the Northern and North Central provinces of Sri Lanka and also contribute to the economic and social upliftment of the people in the region.In March 2016, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to proceed with the implementation of the project.
The new Railway:
Under the purview of the Ministry, the PMU together with the Consultants (CECB) has finalized the design of a trace for the broad gauge rail track from Kurunegala to Habarana via Dambulla which traverses the districts of Kurunegala, Matale, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. The total length of the trace of 88.170 km includes a 3.500 km long connecting line to the existing Trincomalee/Batticaloa line from Palugaswewa to Habarana. The six (06) Main stations are located at Ibbagamuwa, Malsiripura, Galewela, Dambulla, Inamaluwa and Habarana and the four (04) sub stations are at Thorayaya, Gokarella, Beligamuwa and Thalakiriyagama. In addition, 21 Underpasses, 21 Overpasses, 19 Bridges, 41 Level Crossings, 251 Culverts and 03 Tunnels of lengths 1620m, 232m, 138m are to be constructed. The track is designed for a speed of 120 km/h and the permissible speed will be 100 km/h.
The average width of the trace is 40m and the total extent of land required for the project is approximately 350 hectares spread across 57 GramaNiladhari divisions in 08 Divisional Secretary areas in the 04 Administrative Districts. The total cost of the project is US$ 946 million and the funding agency is the EXIM Bank of China. The cost of land acquisition is LKR 7500 million and the construction is expected to be completed in 04 years from the Date of signing of the Financial Contract Agreement.
Benefits:
A reduction in the distance of 30.5 km between Kurunegala/Habaranathrough Maho on the existing line and Kurunegala/Habarana via Dambulla on the new trace and the avoidance of running round the locomotive at Maho Junction result in the corresponding reduction in the travel time of 01 hour and 48 minutes, which is a great advantage considering the present day transportation requirements. The greater speedand the safety will allow the operation of additional passenger and freight trains between the ports of Colombo and Trincomalee and other major townships in the region and also provide easy and direct access to religious, historical and recreational locations in the provinces. The new track will promote tourism, transport of local produce and enhance the socio-economic development of the region and the peripheral areas.
Progress:
After the completion of Preliminary surveys, Geological and Hydrological studies, Design works, obtaining approval of the EIA report and negotiation with the Proponent, China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited (CSCEC), the Commercial Contract was signed between the Ministry and the Proponent on 17.10.2018. The signing of the Loan agreement and the Final Contract Agreement is pending. Section 2 surveys and land acquisition works in the area between Kurunegala and Dambullahave been completed and payment of compensation is in progress.