The relations between India and Sri Lanka have been going on since mythological times. Relationships are getting stronger even in the new era.This is the reason that even being a neighboring country, India supports every step in the development of Sri Lanka’s infrastructure. Great railway coaches have been gifted by India for the important railway project of Sri Lanka.
This consignment is a part of a contract worth USD 82.6 million i.e. Indian currency about Rs 600 crore. Seeing the coaches sent under this consignment in the pictures, it can be understood how important this contribution is.
India will strengthen Sri Lanka’s infrastructure
Assisting Sri Lanka in developing its railway infrastructure, Indian Railways has recently supplied a consignment of 20 passenger coaches to Sri Lanka Railways. According to a statement issued by the Indian High Commission in Colombo, the state-of-the-art coaches have been delivered to the neighboring country by Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES).
Funded from Indian Debt Assistance
These 20 passenger coaches reached Colombo Port on 17 September 2021. The consignment is a part of a contract worth USD 82.6 million. The consignment to supply 160 passenger coaches to the island nation of Sri Lanka is funded under an Indian Line of Credit of USD 318 million.
Promise to provide 160 passengers coach
Of the 160 passenger coaches, 60 have been supplied to Sri Lanka Railways so far, while 20 more are ready to be dispatched from India.
Prepared in Chennai’s ICF
These ‘India Made’ coaches have been customized and manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai as per the requirements of Sri Lanka Railways. PSU-RITES Limited is also scheduled to supply two air-conditioned DMUs to Sri Lanka under the Indian Line of Credit of USD 318 million.
First AC set ready for departure
The first AC DMU set with 13 coaches is ready to be shipped from India and is awaiting the ship’s nomination by Sri Lanka. Some other projects under this line include upgradation of railway line from Mhow to Omanthai (128 km long), signaling project from Mhow to Anuradhapura, double tracking of rail line from Polgahawela to Kurunegala, etc.
