Construction work on Sri Lanka’s long-awaited electric railway network is expected to commence by May or June next year, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake has said.
Speaking at an event, the Minister said the first phase of the railway project is targeted for completion by 2030 under the Government’s plan to modernise the country’s public transport system.
The first phase will focus on three major passenger corridors with high commuter demand.
These include the Main Line from Colombo Fort to Ragama, the Coastal Line from Colombo Fort to Panadura, and the Kelani Valley Line from Maradana to Makumbura.
The project is also expected to significantly modernise railway infrastructure, including the renovation of existing railway stations and the construction of new stations.
The Minister further noted that the new railway stations will go beyond the traditional role of issuing tickets and will be equipped with modern facilities and additional services for passengers.
