Work on Matara-Kataragama railroad to begin in April

Colombo: The government has decided to commence the construction of the US$ 300 million Matara-Kataragama railway line by April this year, making the railway a vibrant transport service contributing to the socio economic development of the country.

A Transport Ministry spokesman said it is anticipated to extend the existing rail network by another 113 kilo metres when completing the Kataragama railway line.

He said the project is being implemented in three stages and the first phase is in progress from Matara to Beliatta. Under the first phase, 27 Km is expected to be completed by 2010.

The railway line will be extended from Beliatta to Weerawila by 2012 under the second stage.

The whole project is expected to be completed by 2015, the spokesman added. He said the acquisition of private lands and properties, the provision of alternative lands and payments of compensation are being processed successfully to facilitate the smooth implementation of the project.

The spokesman said the Ministry has taken measures to rebuild the Siri Pawara Wijayaramaya in Kekanadura, Matara which has been acquired for the construction of the railway line. The replacement cost would be Rs.9 million. Transport Minister Dullas Allahapperuma laid the foundation stone for the construction of the New Vihara Friday.

In order to examine the suitability of the specified land for the construction of the railway line, the entire distance from Matara to Beliatta was geologically surveyed investing Rs.32 million.

He said the Government has invested Rs.91 million to construct the Nilwala bridge and work is scheduled to be completed by year end.

In order to lessen the number of accidents it is planned to construct all new railway crossings over the main roads or the rail track to run on lower level than the main road. He said the Cabinet Appointed Tender Board after examining proposals from eight companies, has shortlisted two companies from India and Japan to offer the tender.