Train service from Anuradhapura to Vavuniya suspended from 5 January

by PRIYAN DE SILVA

Minister of Transport, Highways and Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardane told a media briefing at the Department of Government Information yesterday (28) that train service on the northern railway line would be terminated at Anuradhapura for five months from January 05 to enable much required upgrading of the track between Anuradhapura and Omanthai.

Passengers travelling beyond Anuradhapura will be provided with onward bus services while an office train is to ply between Kankasanthurai and Vauvniya.

The upgrading of the 130 km of track between Maho in the Northwestern Province and Omanthai in the Northern Province will be carried out by IRCON International, a subsidy of the Indian Railway at a cost of USD 91,268,599.60 under an Indian Credit line. It was to commence on November 29, 2019 but was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) has been appointed as consultants to the project.

The existing track between Anuradhapura and Omanthai is over 117 years old and upgrading will include 12 crossing stations, eight halting

stations, 213 culverts, 90 bridges and 80 level crossings.

The modernisation will enable trains to run on the line at a maximum

speed of 120kmph which double the current permissible level of 60kmph, reduce maintenance costs on the line and boost passenger comfort.