| Work Detail |
The President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, jointly inaugurated two rail projects in Anuradhapura, the historic capital of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. These initiatives mark an important step forward in the longstanding development partnership between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in the domain of transport connectivity. The first project unveiled was the refurbished 128-kilometre-long Maho–Omanthai railway line, restored with the generous support of the Government of India under a Credit Line facility amounting to USD 91.27 million. This vital project aims to enhance the condition of the Northern Line track between Maho and Omanthai, thereby improving safety, reliability, and travel comfort for both passengers and freight services. The restoration work has been carried out by Ircon International, a prominent Indian public sector undertaking with extensive experience in railway construction and engineering. In addition, the two leaders inaugurated the commencement of construction on a modernised signalling system spanning from Maho to Anuradhapura. This project, supported through Indian grant assistance of USD 14.9 million, is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency and traffic management along the route. To mark the occasion, a special train departed from the station following the official ceremony. These two rail projects in Anuradhapura are being undertaken as part of the broader India–Sri Lanka development cooperation framework and represent a major milestone in strengthening north–south railway connectivity across the island nation. Once completed, these projects are anticipated to play a key role in facilitating the swift and seamless movement of passengers and freight, thereby contributing to regional economic growth, enhanced trade, and stronger people-to-people links between different parts of Sri Lanka. |
