The government is moving forward with plans to introduce electric train services alongside the existing railway system as part of a broader modernisation initiative.
The proposal was discussed at a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat under the chairmanship of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with the participation of officials from the Ministry of Transport and Highways Sri Lanka.
The discussions focused on the Colombo Suburban Railway Project, with particular attention given to launching electric train operations in the initial phase along key routes.
These include 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.
Officials also reviewed funding challenges related to the project, as well as broader plans to upgrade railway infrastructure, including the potential transition from the existing broad gauge system to a standard gauge.
The project is expected to be launched early next year.
The meeting was attended by Minister Bimal Ratnayake, Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena, and senior officials from the Ministry of Finance Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Transport and Highways.
