Renovations on Sri Lanka’s Northern railway track will reduce Colombo-Jaffna train time to 5.5 hours. Learn about the $91.27 million project by IRCON, the historical significance, and the economic benefits of this upgrade.
Major Upgrades to Northern Railway to Slash Travel Time
Sri Lanka’s Northern railway track is undergoing significant renovations aimed at reducing travel time between Colombo and Jaffna. Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana announced that these improvements will cut the journey from the current 7.5 hours down to approximately 5.5 hours.
Comprehensive Project Underway
The renovation work, which commenced in January this year, is part of a comprehensive $91.27 million project. This initiative is being executed by IRCON, an Indian state-owned firm, and is projected to be completed within six months.
Historical Significance and Modern Enhancements
“The Jaffna-bound train currently takes 7.5 hours. This is the first renovation in over a century, since British colonial times, involving a complete track overhaul funded by an Indian credit line,” Minister Gunawardana explained during a media briefing on Monday (10). “Soon, a new railway track in the North will allow trains to travel at speeds of 100 km per hour, reducing the Colombo to Jaffna travel time to just 5.5 hours.”
Substantial Indian Investment in Sri Lankan Railways
India has allocated $318 million to upgrade 128 kilometers of railway track from Maho to Omanthai, highlighting railways as a priority sector in its assistance to Sri Lanka. So far, India has successfully executed over $1 billion worth of projects in Sri Lanka.
Extensive Track Reconstruction by IRCON
IRCON has rebuilt 253 kilometers of track in the Northern region and an additional 115 kilometers in the South. This renovation is a part of India’s broader commitment to enhancing Sri Lanka’s railway infrastructure, ensuring faster, safer, and more efficient travel for passengers.
Future Prospects and Economic Benefits
The modernization of Sri Lanka’s railway system is expected to bring numerous economic benefits, including increased tourism and enhanced connectivity between major cities. With the new upgrades, the railway network will support faster and more reliable transportation, benefiting both passengers and freight services.
Conclusion
The renovation of Sri Lanka’s Northern railway track marks a significant milestone in the country’s transportation history. With substantial support from India, these improvements promise to transform the Colombo-Jaffna train journey, making it quicker and more comfortable for travelers. The project’s successful completion will undoubtedly contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic growth and regional connectivity.