Chinese or...

Chinese or Indian assistance likely for new railway projects

It is only after these tracks are modernised that we can obtain the full benefit

The Government will approach either China or India for further railway development projects in the country when the work on the northern tracks is completed, officials said yesterday.

The northern railway lines are currently being reconstructed by the Indian company, ‘IRCON’ while a Chinese company has been awarded the contract for the extension of the southern railway line up to Beliatte.

Railways General Manager G.A.P. Ariyaratne told Daily Mirror there was an urgent need to modernise the railway track up to Omanthai in the North and up to Kandy in the Central Province.

“It is only after these tracks are modernised that we can obtain the full benefit of the extension of the railway lines,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Chinese company has shown interest in the construction of the proposed railway line between Kurunegala and Habarana. “We have done a feasibility study in this regard but we are still undecided on the execution of the project. However, a Chinese company has expressed interest. Only India and China are involved in railway development projects in the country at present,” he said.