Southern Railway project to be launched

by L. S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

The high-speed Southern Railway line project, from Matara to Colombo Fort, will be launched on August 1. The project will be completed in three stages; Matara to Galle, Galle to Kalutara and Kalutara to Colombo Fort, said Sri Lanka Railway Operations Manager Vijaya Samarasingha.

An SLTB bus service will be operated between Matara and Galle until the first phase is completed, he said.

He said Transport Minister Kumara Welgama had instructed Railway authorities to ensure the convenience of railway commuters who would face difficulties due to the renovation work.

All material for the renovation work, including steel rails, sleepers, and rocks have been stored not only for the first phase but also for the second phase of the project, he said.

Transport Ministry Secretary Lalithasiri Gunaruwan said the Southern railway renovation project, funded by a long-term Indian soft loan scheme, will be handled by IRCON, an Indian company. The existing track is not strong enough to sustain the impact of speeding trains, he said.