Oct 03, Colombo: Sri Lanka has decided to expedite the reconstruction work of the railway line between Medawchchiya and Thalaimannar, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa has said.

Following a visit Tuesday to inspect the construction work, the Minister has said that it is government's objective to provide all facilities enjoyed by the people of the South to their colleagues in the North as well and therefore the government has given priority for improving the transport services in the North.

Transport Minister Kumara Welgama, Construction, Engineering Services, Housing & Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa, Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiyutheen and the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha also participated in the inspection yesterday.

The construction of the Medawchchiya - Thalaimannar line will be carried out in two phase.

In the first phase, expected to be completed in March 2013, the 43-kilometer Medawchchiya to Madhu segment will be constructed at a cost of US$ 81.3 million. About 65 percent of the construction work under the phase one has already been completed.

The second phase will construct the 63 kilometers of rail line from Madhu to Thalaimannar at a cost of US$ 149 million. About 40 percent of the work has been completed and it is expected to be completed by September 2013.

The Indian Railway Construction Company Limited (IRCON) is carrying out the construction work of both stages of the project which is being financed under a US$ 425 million credit facility from India.