India hands over Galle-Hikkaduwa Railway section to Lanka

Galle, Jan.19 (ANI): India on Thursday formally handed over the completed section of the Galle-Hikkaduwa Railway track in southern Sri Lanka to Colombo.

This part of the southern railway line was executed by IRCON, a leading Indian company in railway infrastructure.

India had pledged a line of credit of US 167.4 million dollars. This involves reconstruction of railway lines, the training of personnel from Sri Lanka Railways in India, the procurement of rolling stock and the building of maintenance sheds.

Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna handed over the railway project here, and expressed satisfaction at the speed with which the project is being completed.

"I recall that during my visit to Sri Lanka in November 2010, I had launched the construction work for the northern railway project. I am happy to note that work is progressing as per schedule," he said.

"We expect all the projects relating to rehabilitation of the northern railway line by IRCON being funded under an Indian credit line of US 800 million dollars to be completed by the end of 2013," he added.

Phase one of this project comprising the Galle Matara section was completed in February 2011. Phase two which involves building the section from Galle to Kauthara will be completed by April 2012. (ANI)