Thursday Apr 30, 2026
Thursday Apr 30, 2026
Thursday, 30 April 2026 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake
The Government is planning to introduce electric train services alongside the existing railway network, with initial operations expected to commence early next year.
The proposal was discussed at a high-level meeting held yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, focusing on the modernisation of suburban rail services under the Colombo Suburban Railway Project.
Officials said the first phase will cover key commuter corridors, including the Kelani Valley Line from Maradana to Makumbura, the Main Line from Colombo Fort to Ragama, and the Coastal Line from Colombo Fort to Panadura.
Discussions also examined funding arrangements and potential implementation challenges associated with the project. Plans to upgrade railway infrastructure were also reviewed, including the possible transition from the existing broad gauge system to standard gauge.
The meeting was attended by Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake, Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena, and senior officials from the Finance Ministry and the Transport and Highways Ministry.
