India Funds Rail Signal Upgrade on Maho–Anuradhapura Line
- CNL Reporter
- August 1, 2025
- Political
- India
- 0 Comments
The Indian government has released the first tranche of approximately USD 2.5 million to support the installation of a modern signalling and telecommunication system along Sri Lanka’s Maho–Anuradhapura Railway Line, the Indian High Commission in Colombo announced.
This initiative, a key development in India–Sri Lanka railway cooperation, was officially launched during the April 2025 high-level visit by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Originally a USD 14.89 million Line of Credit project, it was converted into a full grant by India during President Dissanayake’s state visit in December 2024.
Executed by Ircon International Limited, a public sector enterprise in India, the project will significantly improve passenger safety and train frequency. It introduces real-time train tracking, centralized control via a modern operations center, and enhanced station operations to reduce delays.
The new system complements earlier Indian-funded upgrades that increased train speeds on the Northern Line to 100 kmph. Work is underway, with project completion expected by August 2026
