RECONSTRUCTION OF CENTURY-OLD RAILWAY TRACK BEGAN WITH INDIA’S HELP
Strengthening ties with neighbouring Island nation Sri Lanka, Government of India has taken one more initiative to strengthen railway infrastructure. This prestigious project was ceremonially launched by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka H.E. Mr. Gopal Baglay, Minister of Transport of Sri Lanka Dr. Bandula Gunawardane on January 08, 2023. The track rehabilitation work at Medawachchiya for upgradation of Railway Line including ancillary works from Maho to Omanthai (128Km) being undertaken by an Indian Public Sector company, IRCON.
This initiative has been taken under an existing Indian Line of Credit (LOC) of USD 318 million at a cost of USD 91.27 million. Hon. Minister of Fisheries Mr. Douglas Devananda, Hon. State Minister of Finance Mr. Shehan Semasinghe, Hon. State Minister of Highways Mr. Sirapala Gamlath and senior officials from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Transport were present at the event.
Sri Lankan Minister of Transport, in his remarks, thanked India for the support extended to Sri Lanka, especially in the transport sector. Appreciating the work done by IRCON in Sri Lanka in the past few years, he called for greater Railway cooperation between the two countries.
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, H.E.Gopal Baglay breaking coconut to begin the project.
The High Commissioner highlighted that India has executed projects of over USD 1 billion in the Railways sector under 5 Indian LOCs. In addition, projects of about USD 180 million are either ongoing or in pipeline under existing LOCs. He underscored the importance of modernization of Railways in enhancing mobility of goods and services in Sri Lanka thereby boosting economic activity. The High Commissioner also stressed the importance of strengthening connectivity internally as well as with India for enhancing pilgrimages, tourism, trade and economic benefits for the people of both countries. He stated that India will work with Sri Lanka to introduce green and sustainable transport solutions.
It may be noted that, as a long-standing development partner of Sri Lanka, Government of India has executed several projects in the Island nation under its concessional loans and grant schemes. Of the different sectors of cooperation under these facilities, the upgradation and modernization of Sri Lankan Railways has been one of the priority areas. IRCON started its operations in Sri Lanka in March 2009 and has contributed towards modernization of Sri Lanka Railways by reconstructing the entire railway line network in Northern Province (253 Km) and upgradation of Southern line (115 km). It has also contributed to ensuring safety and reliability through a modern signalling & Telecommunication system on a 330 km stretch of Railway line.
It is worth mentioning that India’s support to Sri Lanka under various LOCs has continued even after April 2022. Recently, 125 out of the 500 India-made Mahindra SUVs being supplied under an LoC were handed over to Sri Lanka Police. Similarly, 75 out of the 500 Ashok Leyland buses being supplied under an LoC were handed over to the Sri Lanka Transport Board last week.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
