A new direct railway line from Kurunegala to Habarana via Dambulla and Sigiriya will be constructed at an estimated cost of US$ one billion, Transport and Civil Aviation State Minister Ashok Abeysinghe said.
“Under the 5-year plan of ‘Let’s Awaken Polonnaruwa’ District Development Programme (2016-2020), the rail track from Kurunegala to Habarana via Dambulla and Sigiriya has been identified as a priority,” he said.
He said the proposed railway line will be connected to the Batticaloa railway line from Habarana facilitating the Batticaloa-bound passengers.
This project expects to provide convenient transportation for people in the Eastern and North Central Provinces and to achieve provincial development by connecting Dambulla Economic Centre with the railway network.
The project will also help to boost the tourism industry providing transportation to local and foreign travellers to visit popular tourist destinations in Dambulla and Sigirya.
"The land acquisition process has already commenced for the project which is expected to be completed by 2025,” he added.
The track is designed to operate trains at 100-120 kmph.
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