1st Phase of reconstructing Matara-Colombo Railway line started

Development activities in the coastal railway line commenced this morning. The initial laying of rail tracks was taken place at Pelana in Weligama. Under the first phase of the project, the railway track from Matara to Galle will be carried out with Indian assistance. The second stage of the development focuses between Galle and Kalutara. The third phase deals with the railway line from Kalutara to Colombo. Under this project the track will be relayed enabling trains to go at high speed in order to drastically reduce the travel time and operate additional train services.

A function to inaugurate the laying of the new track was held at the Weligama Railway Station this morning with the participation of the Minister of Transport Mr. Kuamara Welgama, the Deputy Minister of Transport Mr. Rohana Dissanayake and the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Mr. Ashok K.Kantha.

The reconstruction of the rail track between Matara and Galle is scheduled to be completed by end November. Rail Services between Galle and Matara remain closed upto 1st December, 2010. The SLTB is providing special shuttle bus services between Matara and Galle to coincide with main train arrival and departure times. (niz).