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Indian support begins restoration of Sri Lanka's cyclone-damaged Northern Railway
Reconstruction of the cyclone-damaged Northern Railway Line in Sri Lanka has commenced with support from India. The restoration started at Mahawa Junction in the northwestern region with a USD 5 million Indian grant. This marks the first phase of rebuilding the line between Mahawa and Omanthai, which was heavily affected by Cyclone Ditwah in November, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and over 600 deaths. Advertisement
The project is part of a larger USD 450 million reconstruction package announced during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to Colombo. It includes USD 350 million in concessional Lines of Credit and USD 100 million in grants. Officials from both countries, including the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo and Sri Lanka's Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayaka, attended the commencement ceremony.
The Indian-assisted reconstruction effort builds on prior railway modernisation phases started in 2019 and 2024. The 370 km track is being upgraded with new signalling systems to allow speeds of up to 100 km/h. Bridges and tunnels are also being constructed to let elephants pass safely beneath the tracks. Indian expertise, technology, and equipment will be utilised, with execution by IRCON International Limited, a construction firm established by Indian Railways.
The Sri Lanka Railways has indicated that the reconstructed line should be fully operational before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on April 14, restoring vital connectivity for passengers and freight in the northern and north-central regions. Earlier assessments revealed that the cyclone caused severe soil erosion, leaving tracks unsupported, damaging bridges, and critically affecting signalling systems. The total restoration cost is estimated at over USD 320 million.
Source PTI
FAQ
Q1. What assistance has India provided for the restoration of Sri Lanka’s Northern Railway Line?
India has begun reconstruction of Sri Lanka’s Northern Railway Line using a USD 5 million grant. The work focuses on restoring the Mahawa Junction to Omanthai section, which suffered extensive damage due to Cyclone Ditwah. The support reflects India’s continued role in helping Sri Lanka rebuild critical transport infrastructure affected by natural disasters.
Q2. Why was the Northern Railway Line severely damaged, and what impact did the cyclone have?
The railway line was badly damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka in November and caused widespread flooding and landslides. The cyclone resulted in more than 600 deaths and led to severe soil erosion along the railway corridor. Tracks were left unsupported, bridges were damaged, and signalling systems were critically affected, disrupting rail connectivity in northern and north-central regions.
Q3. How does this project fit into the broader India–Sri Lanka reconstruction partnership?
The railway restoration is part of a larger USD 450 million assistance package announced during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Colombo. This includes USD 350 million in concessional Lines of Credit and USD 100 million in grants. The package supports multiple infrastructure and development projects, highlighting India’s long-term commitment to Sri Lanka’s recovery and economic stability.
Q4. What modernisation measures are being included in the railway reconstruction?
Beyond basic restoration, the project includes modernisation of the 370 km railway track. New signalling systems are being installed to support train speeds of up to 100 km per hour. The reconstruction also includes bridges and tunnels designed to allow safe passage for elephants, addressing both safety concerns and environmental protection along the railway route.
Q5. Who is executing the project, and when is the railway expected to become operational?
The reconstruction is being carried out using Indian technical expertise, equipment, and technology, with execution led by IRCON International Limited, a company established by Indian Railways. Sri Lanka Railways has indicated that the restored railway line is expected to become fully operational before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on April 14, helping restore passenger and freight movement in the affected regions.
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