Govt. to extend Kelani Valley Railway; Rs. 250 m allocated for feasibility study

Thursday, 23 October 2025 01:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday said the Government has begun the process of selecting a consultancy firm to conduct a feasibility study and prepare detailed plans for extending the Kelani Valley Railway line from Avissawella to Ratnapura.

He said Rs. 250 million has been allocated to initiate the preliminary work on the extension, which will be implemented in phases.

“To provide efficient railway services and improve public transport facilities, it has been proposed to realign the railway along the existing route, and for this, a feasibility study and detailed planning must be carried out urgently,” Dr. Jayatissa said.

The Cabinet has approved the proposal to begin the procurement process to appoint a consultancy firm for the project.

The Kelani Valley line, which currently terminates at Avissawella, will be extended to connect key towns in the Sabaragamuwa Province once the feasibility study and designs are complete.