Rail link between Kilinochchi to Palai inaugurated in Sri Lanka

The 27.5 km long rail link between Kilinochchi to Palai in North Sri Lanka was inaugurated on 4 March 2014 by Kumar Welgama, the Transport Minister of Sri Lanka. The inauguration of was done in the presence of YK Sinha, the Indian High Commissioner.

This rail link of North Sri Lanka has been reconstructed by IRCON, the Indian Railways construction wing. IRCON under the plan will take the railways stretch to Jaffna city in another three months. As part of the ceremonial inauguration the dignitaries undertook a train journey from Kilinochchi to Pallai on the reconstructed track.

Other projects already completed under the project
• Medawachchiya-Madhu Road segment inaugurated on 14 May 2013
• Omanthai- Kilinochchi segment inaugurated by President of Sri Lanka on 14 September 2013

Background
The Northern Rail Line was destroyed completely in 1980s by LTTE rebels, which is being reconstructed by IRCON.

The rail line has been reconstructed under the credit line of about 800 US dollar, which was provided by the Government of India to the Sri Lankan Government to undertake the northern railway reconstruction project in the country.

About IRCON
Ircon International Limited (IRCON) is a government company that was incorporated by the Central Government (Ministry of Railways) under the Companies Act, 1956 on 28 April 1976. IRCON has widespread operations in several States in India and in other countries namely Malaysia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Afganistan, U.K. Algeria and Sri Lanka.