The famous train to Jaffna, Yal Devi, arrived in Jaffna today after 24 years. Until today the train was being operated to Palai.

The President,who arrived at Jaffna in Yal Devi train, also declared open Jaffna Railway Station which features many modern facilities including novel communication electronic signal system. There are three other stations between Palai and Jaffna at Kodikamam, Chavakachcheri and Navatkuli.

The train to Jaffna stopped running in June 1990 after the LTTE attacked the Yal Devi at Kokavil. During the years of war, the train operated from Colombo to Vavuniya only.

The government was able to restore the line section by section after war. Initially it was extended to Thandikulam, the next station after Vavuniya. In the next step the line was extended to Omanthai.  Final extentions were to Kilinochchi and then Palai.

The India Railway Construction International (IRCON), an Indian railway subsidiary, completed the restoration of the railway lines from Palai to Jaffna.

The government plans to complete the line from Jaffna to Kankasanthurai soon, thus completing the Northern Line.