March 30, 2013, 5:07 pm


Mr Kamal Singla - Joint General Manager , Mechanical, Mr S.L. Gupta – General Manager, Sri Lanka and Mr Alin Roy Choudhary - Joint General Manager , Finance, of IRCON International Limited

Three new Locomotives, built in India’s Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi have arrived at the Colombo Port to speed up the prestigious Northern Rail Project. These Locomotives are being supplied to the Sri Lanka Railway as part of the ongoing Northern Railway reconstruction projects. IRCON General Manager, Mr. S L Gupta said that three more Locomotives would also be supplied to the Sri Lanka Railway under the Northern Railway Projects shortly. "These rail projects spreading over 250 Km in length are being funded as part of US$ 800 Million Line of Credit extended by the Indian Government", said Gupta.

Ircon International Limited, a state owned construction firm of India, operating under the Indian Railways is executing the 252 km long Northern Railway reconstruction project. IRCON is a one of the largest engineering construction organizations of India and are pioneers in Railway construction. They have a global presence in 21 countries, with 90 completed infrastructure projects away from India. Apart from this, they have completed over 280 domestic projects in India. IRCON specializes in transport infrastructure projects. The Company undertakes construction of railway lines, station buildings, tunnels, airport terminal buildings, roads & highways, bridges & flyovers, railway electrification works, signaling & telecommunication works, buildings, mechanical and electrical projects.

The Company was established in 1976 by the Government of India as a wholly owned entity of the Ministry of Indian Railways and was then known as the Indian Railway Construction Company Limited. "As the name indicates, initially, its primary charter was the construction of railway projects in India and abroad. Subsequently, the company has diversified into the other transport infrastructure segments with its expanded and diversified scope of operations across the world", said Gupta.

IRCON’s growth to become a global construction firm was steady and fast. It has been a consistent winner of the ‘Highest Foreign Exchange Earner’ award in the construction sector in India for many years competing with many private construction companies.

During the civil war, the entire track in the Northern Province was destroyed resulting in train traffic being terminated for the last 23 years. "Under the Indian Lines of Credit, these railway lines from Medawachchiya to Talaimannar Pier and Omanthai to Kankasanthurai are being reconstructed. An ultra modern Signaling & Telecommunication system is also being installed under these lines of credit", said Gupta.

Being the state owned Construction Company under Indian Railways, and being globally recognized railway infrastructure builders; IRCON was the natural choice for this reconstruction project funded by the Government of India. When reconstructed, the track will be a modern railway line after the Kaluthara – Matara coastal railway line segment, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, which is also being upgraded by IRCON. The track is designed for a speed potential of 120 kmph with a smooth and comfortable riding quality. Designed using the latest modern technology, with Flash Butt Welding, Long Welded Rails, Cast Manganese Steel crossing with standard turnouts etc, all of which are a first for Sri Lanka. "Furthermore no wooden sleepers have been used in constructing the entire track thus aiding forest conservation", said Gupta.

The project which is creating employment opportunities for 2000 Sri Lankans directly and many more thousands indirectly, will result in the people of the Northern Province having a continuous train service from Jaffna or Talaimannar to Colombo once these railway lines become operational.

"IRCON and the Government of India are pleased to be part of Sri Lanka’s development, whilst further strengthening the ties of friendship and solidarity between our two countries", said Gupta.