Indo-SL joint railway service on the cards

By Yohan Perera   

It has been decided to resume the joint railway service between Sri Lanka and India, the Prime Minister’s office said yesterday.   

Such a service existed between Chennai and Colombo Fort where passengers could use a single ticket to travel between Colombo Fort and Chennai. 

The Prime Minister’s office said the Transport Ministry hopes to introduce a similar railway service between the two countries and added that Sri Lankan Buddhists could make use of this service for their pilgrimage at a cheaper rate.  

Meanwhile, reports said the preliminary work on a marine service between South India and Kankesanturai (KKS) and South India and Talaimannar had already begun with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority hoping to renovate the KKS jetty. 

Plans are also being prepared to build a new jetty, 167 metres long and 22 metres wide to be used for commercial purposes with the breakwater also to be renovated. India is expected to provide $45.27 million under its credit line for this purpose.  

In addition a new industrial zone is to be built on the land where the old cement factory was located while hotels, restaurants and warehouses are to be constructed near the Talaimannar Jetty.

The preliminary work on a marine service between South India and  Kankesanturai (KKS) and South India and Talaimannar had already begun  with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority hoping to renovate the KKS jetty