Launch of high speed trains

The first high speed train service in Sri Lanka was launched between Galle and Matara last week with a running speed of 100 Kmph.

The first train run at around 80 Kmph average speed took only 38 minutes to run between the two cities, a saving of around 15 minutes.

The railway track was fully upgraded by IRCON an Indian public sector company and was opened last Wednesday by the Minister of Transport Kumara Welgama. Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha was also present. The project cost of $167.4 million was provided by the government of India under the Indian Credit Line and the whole construction work was carried out by Indian engineers and Indian labourers. Materials such as concrete sleepers were imported from India. CGR sources said that under the 2nd stage of the project the railway track from Galle to Hikkaduwa will be modernised.

Hikkaduwa to Kalutara South and Kalutara South to Maradana will be modernised under the 3rd and 4th stages.

- GW