Colombo, February 20 (newsin.asia): Officials from the High Commission of India accompanied by representatives from the Indian railway organization RITES and the Sri Lanka Railways travelled aboard an air-conditioned train [AC Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU)] on its successful trial run in Sri Lanka on 18 February 2022.
This AC DMU had been supplied under a US$ 318 million Line of Credit (LoC) from India. The first AC DMU supplied under this LoC was put into operation on 09 January 2022.
The US$ 318 million LoC was finalized in 2014-15 for the supply of railway rolling stock to Sri Lanka, upgrading railway tracks and other mutually agreed projects in accordance with the request and requirements of the Government of Sri Lanka.
Since then, high-quality railway coaches and AC DMUs supplied from India have helped strengthen the railway infrastructure as well as travel experience in Sri Lanka. Various other projects under this LoC including the upgrading of railway tracks are at different stages of implementation.
Lines of Credit from India have contributed to the upgrading of the railway line from Colombo to Matara, track laying on sectors such as Omanthai-Pallai; Madhu Church-Tallaimannar; Medawachchiya-Madhu; and Pallai-Kankesanthurai, installing signalling systems, and supply of rolling stock to Sri Lanka railways.
India looks forward to continue mutually beneficial cooperation in the transport sector, including in railways where India’s world-class capabilities and assistance have contributed significantly to the development of railway infrastructure and facilities, job creation, economic growth, enhanced connectivity and passenger comfort and safety in Sri Lanka.
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