Sri Lanka Railways has announced a one-month suspension of train services on the Mahawa to Anuradhapura railway line to facilitate the renovation of five bridges, each approximately 100 years old.
This significant infrastructure project is part of a broader effort to modernize the country’s railway network, with the new bridges funded through a US$15 million loan from India. The renovation work is scheduled to commence after the Poson Poya Festival, a significant Buddhist observance in Sri Lanka. The decision to halt train services during this period aims to ensure the safety of passengers and workers while enabling the efficient completion of the bridge replacements. These bridge upgrades are part of a larger initiative to modernize the Mahawa to Anuradhapura railway line, which was previously reconstructed under an Indian loan scheme at a cost of US$91.27 million.
Despite the completion of the physical infrastructure, the line has been operating under a token signaling system due to delays in the installation of a modern signaling system. To address this, a contract for the design, installation, testing, and commissioning of a new signaling system has been signed between the Sri Lankan Ministry of Transport and Highways and India’s IRCON Ltd, with an allocated budget of US$14.90 million. The modernization of the railway line is expected to enhance the safety, efficiency, and capacity of the transportation network, benefiting both passengers and freight services. The installation of modern signaling systems will allow for increased train frequencies and improved operational reliability, contributing to the economic development of the region.
While the temporary suspension of train services may cause inconvenience to commuters, the long-term benefits of these infrastructure improvements are anticipated to outweigh the short-term disruptions. The collaboration between Sri Lanka and India underscores the strong bilateral ties and shared commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and development. Passengers are advised to plan alternative travel arrangements during the suspension period and stay informed about updates from Sri Lanka Railways regarding the resumption of services.
Also Read :Delhi Mumbai routes get major rail upgrade
