Yal Devi to reach KKS by 2013

18 November 2011 07:22 am

Yal Devi, the popular Northern line express train from Fort to Jaffna will resume its run after 20 years between the two main cities in the end of 2013 once the track between Pallai and KKS was restored by the Indians in two years, Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said today.

The agreement for the reconstruction of the railway line between Pallai and Kankesanthurai was signed between Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) and Ircon International Limited, India today at a simple ceremony held in Colombo attended by Minister Welgama and Indian High Commissioner Ashok K Kantha.

The project costing USD 149 Million is the fifth project from Northern Sri Lanka to be covered under Indian Line of Credit. The Pallai - KKS project covering 56 Km will be completed by the end of 2013.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Welgama further said the SLR is engaged in reconstruction of other lines and therefore the government decided to entrust the reconstruction of mainlines to India.

Indian High Commissioner Mr. Kantha said the reconstruction of the last phase of the Northern line by Ircon. “India is a key player in the development of Sri Lanka and is engaged in numerous development projects.

The 106 KM stretch From Medawachchiya to Talaimannar, 90 Km stretch between  Omanthai and Pallai are two of them. (By Sandun A. Jayasekera)