By: Staff Writer
October 16, Colombo (LNW):India and Sri Lanka are advancing their collaboration by planning to construct a US $5 billion bridge and railway line over the Palk Strait, enhancing connectivity between the two nations.
This project not only aims to boost economic cooperation but also reflects their commitment to strengthened bilateral relations.
According to Sri Lanka’s Environment Secretary, Prabath Chandrakeerthi, discussions are nearing completion for the construction of this road-and-rail link, with India set to finance the entire project.
This initiative is the first major bilateral infrastructure project announced by Sri Lanka following the election of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
It aligns with New Delhi’s strategic efforts to counter Chinese influence in the region. Currently, India stands as Sri Lanka’s largest trade partner and one of its most significant foreign direct investment contributors, with Indian investments amounting to approximately $142 million in 2021.
Chandrakeerthi emphasized the economic potential of this project during his recent meeting with Indian officials in New Delhi.
The proposed connection between Rameswaram in India and Trincomalee in Sri Lanka is expected to significantly reduce costs for businesses in both countries, facilitating easier trade with Europe and other regions.
The improved infrastructure will also open new opportunities for Indian companies to benefit from the Sri Lankan market.
The idea of a land bridge connecting Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, India, to Talaimannar in Sri Lanka was initially proposed by the Sri Lankan government in 2002.
Though an agreement was signed, the project faced opposition from the Tamil Nadu government, leading to delays.
Talks on the project resumed in 2015 when India requested the Asian Development Bank to conduct a pre-feasibility study for financing the link.
The latest plan involves constructing the rail and road link up to Trincomalee instead of Talaimannar, as informed by Sri Lankan officials.
Historically, there has been no direct land connection between India and Sri Lanka. The closest Indian town to Sri Lanka, Dhanushkodi, lost its railway station to a cyclone in 1964, disrupting the once operational boat service that linked Talaimannar in Sri Lanka with Dhanushkodi in India.
While the exact project cost remains to be finalized, estimates suggest it could reach around $5 billion, which will be fully funded by the Indian government.
Chandrakeerthi mentioned that the project could feature bridges and underwater tunnels to ensure uninterrupted movement of maritime traffic. Environmental approvals are still pending, and further discussions are needed to finalize the details.
Queries regarding the project’s status sent to Indian government departments involved in transport, shipping, railways, and external affairs have not received responses as of yet.
However, the development of this infrastructure project signals a significant step towards deepening economic and strategic ties between India and Sri Lanka, potentially redefining regional trade dynamics.
