Sri Lanka will take the first steps towards introducing an electric railway service next year, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake has announced.
Speaking at the reopening of the renovated Narahenpita Railway Station under the ‘Dream Destination’ initiative on Monday, the Minister said the project is part of the government’s broader plan to expand and modernise the country’s railway network.
He said the first phase of the electric railway project will cover the Colombo–Panadura, Colombo–Makumbura, and Colombo–Ragama corridors.
Rathnayake noted that the government is working to resolve long-standing issues in the railway sector while upgrading infrastructure and improving passenger facilities.
He added that enhancing public transport remains a key priority, with the government also pursuing public-private partnerships to modernise railway infrastructure across the country.