New railway bridge across Mahaweli river with Indian loan grant scheme

Wednesday, 11 November 2026 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

Cabinet spokesman says bridge forms part of a planned suburban rail network for Greater Kandy; feasibility study underway, double-tracking proposed for key stretches
Affirms restoration of historic 1865 Black Bridge continues in parallel, led by CECB with technical support from the University of Peradeniya

By Charumini de Silva

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved constructing a new railway bridge across the Mahaweli River between Sarasavi Uyana and Peradeniya, with financial assistance from India.

The bridge will be constructed on the Matale railway line as part of efforts to improve railway connectivity and develop an extensive suburban railway network covering the Greater Kandy area.

Announcing the decision at the weekly post-Caninet meeting media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said funding for the project will be obtained through an Indian loan grant scheme intended for the renovation and development of railway infrastructure facilities damaged by Cyclone Ditwah.

He said the proposed bridge is expected to improve the integration of the Matale railway line with the national railway network.

“The Government is also planning to develop an extensive suburban railway network in the Greater Kandy area, with a feasibility study currently underway. The proposed development includes, converting the main railway line from Kadugannawa to Gampola via Peradeniya into a double-track railway line. Plans also include converting the Matale railway line between Peradeniya and Katugastota into a double-track railway line,” he added.

Dr. Jayatissa said the Government has also identified the need to address capacity constraints caused by the existing single-track railway infrastructure, while improving the reliability and connectivity of train services.

Responding to queries from journalists on whether construction of the new bridge would interrupt work on the historic Black Bridge (Kalu Paalama), he said the two projects would run side by side.

“The restoration will carry on without interruption. Building the new bridge is happening alongside it,” he added.

The Cabinet Spokesman noted that the Black Bridge, a single-track structure first built in 1865, was badly damaged in the cyclone. Given its age and structural limitations, the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) is handling the repairs, with technical support from the University of Peradeniya.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake.