The proposed electric railway project is expected to require a significant amount of electricity and could emerge as one of Sri Lanka’s largest power consumers in the future, Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake told Parliament today.
Rathnayake said discussions are currently being held with the Ministry of Energy on how the substantial electricity requirements of the proposed project could be met.
He identified the electric railway as one of several major projects being considered that could make extensive use of the country’s growing power generation capacity.
The Minister said Sri Lanka would also need to develop industries and other large-scale projects capable of absorbing increased electricity generation. Otherwise, surplus power could potentially have to be exported.
He added that the Government is examining renewable energy options to provide the electricity required for major projects such as the proposed electric railway.
