The development of the dual track line is aimed at easing the traffic on the Northern Line which is being extended up to Kankasanthurai in the Jaffna district.

The Northern Line deviates from the main upcountry line at Polgahawela Junction and at Maho Junction railway line to Batticaloa branches off from the Northern Line.

Between these two junctions, there are only five railway stations for 70 kilometers and this causes delays at interchanging.

The feasibility study for the double line between Polgahawela and Maho is to start soon.

At present, trains are operating up to Omanthai on Northern Line and the government has started the reconstruction of the line destroyed by the terrorists during the war up to Kankasanthurai.