Discussions are in the final stages for a $5 billion road-and-rail link between India and Sri Lanka with India set to bear the cost of the strategic project, said the island-nation’s environment secretary Prabath Chandrakeerthi.
This is the first big bilateral infrastructure project announced by the island nation since the recent election of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake amid efforts by New Delhi to counter Chinese influence.
India is Sri Lanka’s largest trade partner and one of the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) contributors. Indian investment in Sri Lanka amounted to about $142 million in 2021.
“Last month I participated in one meeting with India in New Delhi, and we are going to establish the highway and railway line connectivity between Rameswaram in India and Trincomalee in Sri Lanka,” B. K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi told Mint. “This is being planned as businessmen in both countries have to pay more and with the road and rail connectivity, both parties can get help because it will help in trade with European and other countries. Indian businessmen can also get some benefits from Sri Lanka as well,” Chandrakeerthi added.
“Last month I participated in one meeting with India in New Delhi, and we are going to establish the highway and railway line connectivity between Rameswaram in India and Trincomalee in Sri Lanka,” B. K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi told Mint. “This is being planned as businessmen in both countries have to pay more and with the road and rail connectivity, both parties can get help because it will help in trade with European and other countries. Indian businessmen can also get some benefits from Sri Lanka as well,” Chandrakeerthi added.
The Sri Lankan government proposed a land bridge between Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu of India and Talaimannar, a village in Mannar Island of Sri Lanka in 2002 and signed an agreement on it.
As per the agreement, road and rail bridge links were to be developed, offering economic benefits to both sides of the Palk Strait. However, after the agreement was signed, the Tamil Nadu government opposed the construction of the land bridge.
As per the agreement, road and rail bridge links were to be developed, offering economic benefits to both sides of the Palk Strait. However, after the agreement was signed, the Tamil Nadu government opposed the construction of the land bridge.
The talks resumed in 2015 when Indian asked the Asian Development Bank to carry out pre-feasibility study for financing a road and rail link between
India’s Rameswaram and Sri Lanka’s Talaimannar. But it has been decided to build the rail and road link up to Trincomalee, the official informed.
There is no land connection between Sri Lanka and India through road or railway. The closest Indian town to Sri Lanka, Dhanushkodi, had a railway station but this was washed out in a cyclone in 1964. A short boat ride till 1966 connected the railway stations at Talaimannar in Sri Lanka and Dhanushkodi in India.
“The cost of the project is still not finalized. We have to have more discussion about that, but I think it is estimated to be nearly $5 billion,” the Lankan official said, and added: “It will entirely be borne by the Indian government. We have to get some approval for environmental clearance.”
He said the project may involve bridges and underwater tunnels to allow unhindered movement of ships.
Queries sent to the spokespeople and secretaries of Indian road transport and highways, ports, shipping and waterways, railways, external affairs and environment ministries remained unanswered at press time.
Source: Mint
--Agencies
