Maiden voyage on the Matara- Beliatta rail road

Colombo (News1st) - Construction of the first phase of the railway track from Matara to Kataragama has been completed. The first phase of the track extends from Matara to Beliatta. The first test run along the newly constructed track took place today (January 6) under the examination of Minister Arjuna Ranatunga. The general public was also present to embark on the inaugural journey. The train powered its engine at 10 AM from the Beliatta train station to take the long journey to Matara. This railway track runs for 26 kilometres and the approximate cost for this project is USD 278.2 million. The Exim Bank of China has provided the financial aid for this project. Four main railway stations have been established in Kekanadura, Bambaranda, Wawurukannal, and Belaiththa along the Matara - Beliatta railroad. Two sub railway stations have been established in Peeladuwa and Veherahena. Another speciality of this railway is that the longest railway tunnel in Sri Lanka, which runs for 615 meters, is built along this railway line. The Matara - Beliatta railway runs 10% on flyover bridges. The flyover bridge built between Bambaranda and Wawurukannala is the highest and the longest railway flyover bridge in Sri Lanka. The test run came to a close when the train reached its destination, the Matara Railway Station. Speaking to the media Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation noted that given the progress, they will be able to open this for the general public before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. He added that the only delay is the signal lights and that once it falls into place they can start transportation immediately. Commenting regarding the finances he added that the accurate details will be provided within the next week as this was a project done through a loan obtained from the Exim Bank of China.