A new electric railway project covering Colombo and its suburbs is expected to begin next year, with preliminary planning already completed, the Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government, Ruwan Senarath has stated.
The proposed Colombo electric railway project will begin from Maradana and is intended to provide commuters with a faster, more efficient and modern public transport service, according to the Deputy Minister.
Senarath made the remarks while addressing a public meeting in Hambantota, where he outlined several transport and infrastructure projects being pursued by the government.
Electric railway to connect with Ruhunu Kumari service
The Deputy Minister said the planned electric railway would provide greater connectivity for passengers travelling to Colombo from the southern region.
Under the proposed system, passengers travelling from Matara on the Ruhunu Kumari train would be able to get off at Panadura and continue their journey to Colombo by electric train.
“We are preparing that plan and will begin the project by next year,” Senarath said, emphasizing the government’s intention to provide better transportation facilities to the general public.
The project is expected to improve connectivity between Colombo and surrounding urban areas while offering commuters an alternative to existing road-based transport.
Metro buses already operating
Deputy Minister Senarath also highlighted the introduction of Metro bus services in Colombo and nearby urban areas, saying the buses were providing improved facilities to passengers.
He noted that modern public transport infrastructure was necessary to meet the needs of the country’s population and questioned why people should not have access to transportation services comparable to those available internationally.
“We are going to develop this country,” he said.
Delayed highway projects resume
The Deputy Minister also said several previously delayed projects involving the country’s transport and highway infrastructure had been restarted.
He referred specifically to the Central Expressway project, saying construction on the remaining section had now resumed after years of delays.
Senarath said a number of projects could be completed THIS year as construction activities accelerate.
Rs. 112 billion Kurunegala–Galagedara Expressway Section
He further claimed that work had commenced on the Kurunegala–Galagedara Expressway, with an estimated investment of Rs. 112 billion.
Responding to criticism that the government was not undertaking sufficient development work, Senarath pointed to the resumption of highway and public transport projects as evidence of ongoing infrastructure development.
“Who says we are not doing any work? Aren’t these projects work too? They are work,” he said.
The proposed Colombo electric railway, together with ongoing bus and expressway projects, forms part of the government’s broader efforts to improve public transportation and road connectivity across the country.
