Sri Lankan government commences work to re-establish transportation between KKS and Talaimanar to South India
The Prime Minister’s Office in Sri Lanka has announced that work has commenced on re-establishing transportation of goods and people from Kankasanthurai (KKS) and Talaimannar to ports in South India.
Upgrading the KKS Harbour has already started with work being observed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe during his visit to the North last week.
The Prime Minister’s Office has further stated that pPlans to upgrade the jetty at Talaimannar has already been made and work on it will be started soon by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).
“Once transport by sea is re-established, efforts will be made to link passenger and goods services with rail services in South India. This step will be taken by the Transport Ministry. Before the war, such links existed with a passenger able to cross between the two countries with one ticket,” the statement has said.
With the resumption of these services, it would be possible for Buddhists to undertake pilgrimages to India at lower costs.
Reports have stated that the Sri Lankan government has already commenced the implementation of a US$ 45.27 million development project for the KKS Harbour. In addition to the general upgrade, a new 167m jetty is to also be constructed for commercial purposes. A new breakwater will also be built under the project. The funds for the project have been obtained under preferential basis from the Indian Government.
The KKS cement factory is to also be reconstructed under this effort, reports have added.
According to the statement, under the mixed development projects, there are plans to establish tourist hotels and create a tourism zone in KKS and similar plans are afoot for Talaimannar as well to develop tourism in the region.
OSL take:
Once re-established, the transportation link between KKS and Talaimanar to South Indian ports would further boost bilateral and trade links between the two countries. The quick and easy passenger as well as good transportation route will open up many business opportunities for local as well as foreign investors. Sri Lanka and India already have a free trade agreement (FTA) that could help trade between the two countries. The new development work launched by the Sri Lankan government in the country’s northern peninsula will result in the expansion of many business/investment opportunities. Therefore, foreign businesses/investors could look at opportunities for business in Sri Lanka’s north as well.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/21022019/Z_6 |