India has once again underlined its role as a key development partner of Sri Lanka by extending crucial assistance for the restoration of the Northern Railway Line, a lifeline for communities in the island’s Northern Province. The restoration works were officially launched by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and Sri Lanka’s Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake, marking a significant step in rebuilding transport infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Ditwah.
The project is being implemented under an Indian grant of USD 5 million and forms part of a broader USD 450 million reconstruction and rehabilitation package announced during the recent visit of Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The assistance reflects India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka’s post-disaster recovery and long-term infrastructure development, particularly in regions that were severely affected by natural calamities.
Cyclone Ditwah caused extensive destruction to rail infrastructure, disrupting passenger travel, logistics, and access to essential services. In the northern and north-central provinces, railways remain the most reliable and affordable mode of transport for thousands of daily commuters. Recognising this urgency, India moved swiftly to support the restoration of the damaged railway network, which had originally been constructed with Indian assistance.
The restoration is being carried out by IRCON International Limited, an Indian public sector enterprise with wide experience in railway construction and rehabilitation across South Asia and beyond. The project covers three critical sections of the Northern Railway Line Maho to Omanthai, Omanthai to Jaffna, and Medawachchiya to Mannar areas that suffered some of the worst damage and led to prolonged connectivity disruptions.
Work commenced on January 11, less than three weeks after the assistance was announced, highlighting the emphasis India places on timely delivery of development cooperation. Authorities aim to restore train services to pre-cyclone frequency levels within three months, targeting April 2026, ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Remaining works are expected to be completed by May 2026, supported by large-scale deployment of skilled manpower and specialised machinery.
Beyond immediate restoration, the project will improve long-term connectivity, boost regional trade, and enhance access to education, healthcare, and employment in the northern province. Improved rail links are expected to stimulate economic activity, encourage tourism, and strengthen social integration between the north and the rest of the country.
Railway development has long been a cornerstone of India–Sri Lanka cooperation. India’s cumulative assistance to Sri Lanka’s railway sector now stands at around USD 1.2 billion, encompassing nearly 500 kilometres of track construction and rehabilitation, modern signalling systems, and the supply of rolling stock. The Northern Railway Line restoration is therefore not just a recovery effort, but part of a broader partnership aimed at building resilient, inclusive infrastructure for Sri Lanka’s future.
