Renovations to the Maho-Omanthai stretch of the Northern Railway line commenced yesterday (8) under the leadership of Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Bandula Gunawardana and High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay.

The project is carried out by India’s State-run IRCON International under an Indian credit line of Rs. 33 billion. IRCON International has contributed to several railway reconstruction projects in Sri Lanka.

“The largest development project in Sri Lanka in 2023 was able to start today (yesterday [8]). Today can be called a special day, especially for the transport system of Sri Lanka and the users of the Northern Railway. We as Sri Lankans should be happy to be able to start this large-scale project with the support of the Indian Government, even though it is not possible to implement new projects at a time when Sri Lanka is facing an economic crisis,” Dr. Gunawardana said while addressing an event organised to mark the commencement of the renovation.

Dr. Gunawardana also engaged in religious observations at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura prior to the commencement of the renovations.

Once renovations to the railway are complete, the journey taken to travel between Colombo and Jaffna can be reduced by an hour, while facilities are said to be provided for the transportation of goods between Colombo and Jaffna.

It is estimated that it would take at least five months to complete the renovations; hence, trains will not be operating on the Anuradhapura-Vavuniya stretch of the Northern Railway line during this period. Thereby, the Kankesanthurai-bound trains from Colombo Fort will travel only up to Anuradhapura railway station, according to the Department of Railways. Arrangements have already been made for passenger transportation with Sri Lanka Transport Board buses as well as private buses for the convenience of passengers.