PM Modi Inaugurates Two India-Assisted Railway Projects in Sri Lanka

New Delhi: On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake jointly participated in the inauguration and launch ceremony of two major railway projects in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, built with Indian assistance.

The two leaders inaugurated the renovated 128-km-long Maho–Omanthai railway line, which was upgraded with Indian assistance worth USD 91.27 million. Following this, they launched the construction of an advanced signaling system from Maho to Anuradhapura, funded through an Indian grant of USD 14.89 million.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, these historic railway modernization projects—executed under the India-Sri Lanka Development Partnership—represent a significant milestone in strengthening north-south rail connectivity in Sri Lanka. They aim to facilitate faster and more efficient movement of both passengers and freight across the country.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also visited the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple in Anuradhapura along with President Dissanayake, where he offered prayers at the revered Mahabodhi tree.

It is believed that the tree has grown from a branch of the original ‘Bodhi’ tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The sapling was brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE by Sanghamitta Mahatheri, daughter of Emperor Ashoka. The temple stands as a symbol of the deep civilizational ties that form the bedrock of the close India–Sri Lanka partnership.