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