Project Profile: Matara-Kataragama Railway Line Extension

The Matara-Kataragama Railway Line is a landmark infrastructure project extending Sri Lanka’s Southern coastal railway, engineered to enhance regional connectivity and freight capacity. This 114.5 km extension incorporates modern railway construction techniques, including significant tunnelling and bridge-building, to support a high operational design speed of 120 km/h and integrate a vital economic corridor into the national network.

Technical Specifications

The project’s design parameters are engineered for modern rail operations. The 120 km/h design speed necessitates high-quality track infrastructure, including continuously welded rail on concrete sleepers to ensure stability and passenger comfort. The route traverses challenging terrain, requiring significant civil engineering works. Phase 1 alone involved the construction of twelve major bridges, including a 170-meter viaduct over the Nilwala Ganga, and a 600-meter tunnel, showcasing advanced excavation and structural engineering capabilities. The integration of modern signalling systems and level crossing designs is a core technical feature, aimed at maximizing operational safety and line capacity.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Economic Corridor: Creates a vital transport link for goods and passengers in the Southern Province, aiming to reduce reliance on congested road networks and stimulate local economies around new stations.
• Enhanced Connectivity & Tourism: Directly connects major urban centers with remote areas and key pilgrimage sites like Kataragama, significantly improving accessibility for both residents and domestic and international tourists.
• Model for International Collaboration: The project demonstrates a large-scale infrastructure partnership between Sri Lanka and Chinese entities, combining international financing with local and international engineering expertise to deliver a complex project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Matara to Kataragama train be fully operational?

Phase 1 of the railway line, from Matara to Beliatta (27 km), has been operational since April 2019. The subsequent phases, extending the line to Hambantota and then to Kataragama, are currently in the planning and proposed development stages, with construction timelines subject to final government approvals and financing arrangements.

Who is building the Matara-Kataragama railway line?

The project is a collaboration led by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Transport. Key construction and engineering partners include China National Machinery Import & Export Corporation, China Railway No.5 Group (CR5), and Sri Lanka’s Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB). The primary financing is provided by the Export-Import Bank of China.