A new rail track laying site has been launched near Ratmalana railway station to accelerate the renovation of Sri Lanka’s coastal railway line, the Ministry of Transport announced.
The project, part of the wider effort to modernize the dual track from Panadura to Kompannavidiya, is expected to reduce delays and improve passenger convenience.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, Prasanna Gunasena, inspected the site yesterday (31), reviewing ongoing work and addressing operational issues.
According to the ministry, a portion of the 10,000 railway tracks imported from China for the country’s railway modernization programme is being laid at Ratmalana.
The move comes as the No. 8 coastal line continues to suffer damage from salt corrosion, requiring frequent repairs.
By streamlining the track laying process, authorities aim to minimize downtime during maintenance, reduce passenger inconvenience, and ensure proper speed limits are maintained.
Currently, the Railway Department operates track laying sites only at Ragama and Horape.
The Deputy Minister noted that the addition of Ratmalana will enable a faster and more efficient service, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s transport infrastructure. (Newswire)