Sri Lankan government to extend southern railroad from Beliatte to Hambantota
The government of Sri Lanka is looking at extending the Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) railroad for the Matara-Beliatta route up to Hambantota.
The development plan was put on hold due to the holding of general elections. However, the project is to now be revived and taken up by the new Cabinet of Ministers.
“We were requested to cease all project work until a decision is reached by the Cabinet and the portfolio Ministry.
“Once we get a go ahead, we will roll out the primary stage of the project work by handing over the feasibility study of the earmarked area,” SLR General Manager M.J.D. Fernando has told The Morning.
According to Fernando, it would take at least close to three years to complete the feasibility study, as the project team will have to draw up a plan pertaining to which route the tracks would be laid and at which points they would appoint railway stations.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s development programme as well as targeted economic growth depends a lot on the development of internal connectivity. This means the development of roads and railroads plays a prominent role. Therefore, there is an expansion in business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s road and railroad construction. Foreign businesses could therefore look at the project pipeline and note down projects to participate/invest in.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/14082020/Z_5 |