Medawachchiya—Madhu rail service commissions

The first phase of the US$ 650 million Northern Railway project, funded by the Government of India under the Indian Line of Credit will be commissioned today.

Minister for Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, together with the Minister of Transport Kumara Welgama and High Commissioner of India Ashok K. Kantha, ceremonially inaugurating the long awaited train services on the Medawachchiya—Madhu road segment of the Northern railway track, and thereafter, will embark on a train journey on the new track.

This segment which covers a distance of 43 km of the 252 km project was completed on schedule by Ircon International, Government of India undertaking under the Indian Railways. Taking part for the inauguration was Ircon International Chairman and Managing Director Mohan Tiwari who flew down for this momentous event.  

Amongst the other distinguished guests present at the inauguration will be, Deputy Minister of Transport Roshana Dissanayake, Ministry of Transport Secretary Dhammika Perera, Sri Lanka Railways General Manager B.A.P. Ariyaratne, Ircon General Manager S.L. Gupta and other Sri Lankan and Indian dignitaries and officials also will be in religious ceremonies and the gala celebration that was held that will be today at the Madhu railway station yard, to mark the momentous occasion, where train services re-commenced after a disruption of almost 30 years.