The line has five stations and has been reconstructed for 120km/h operation with colour light signalling. It is served by three Yal Devi trainsper day, which link Kilinochchi with the island's capital Colombo, and additional trains will be introduced as demand increases.
Sri Lanka Railways says it expects to reopen the 40km Kilinochchi – Pallai section by December, and the remainder of the line to Jaffna and Kankesanturai will be restored by May 2014.
Services ceased on the Madawachchi – Kankesanturai line in 1990 during the country's bitter civil war and the undamaged track was removed for military use. Reconstruction work began in 2009.
In May trains returned to the Madawachchi – Madhu Road section of the 106km Madawachchi – Talaimannar line, and the remainder of this line is due to reopen soon.
