The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to electrify key railway corridors in Sri Lanka as part of a long‑term transport modernization strategy.

Corridors with high commuter density have been prioritized for electrification, with support expected from international development institutions.

Currently, most railway operations rely on diesel power, and officials have highlighted the need to upgrade tracks, signaling systems, and related infrastructure to improve efficiency and reliability. 

The government’s new programme focuses on constructing additional lines, building double tracks, modernizing signals, and introducing electrification to create a modern rail transport system.

According to the government, the initiative aims to expand passenger capacity, reduce travel times, and contribute to an environmentally friendly and sustainable public transport service. 

The Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport to begin electrification in the following routes:

• Main Line — Maradana to Ragama, including station upgrades at Gampaha, Veyangoda, Mirigama, and Polgahawela.
• Kelani Valley Line — Maradana to Makumbura.
• Coastal Line — Maradana to Panadura. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved a proposal to amend the Motor Traffic Act, allowing the gross weight of electric three-wheelers, including the battery system, to be increased to 650 kilograms.

According to the government, the gross weight of three-wheelers manufactured as electric three-wheelers or converted from petrol or diesel-driven three-wheelers into electric three-wheelers has increased. 

Due to this reason, the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted in August 2022 to revise the Motor Traffic Act, making 600 kilos the maximum gross weight of such electric Three-wheelers to solve the issues related to the provisions encountered during the registration of electric three-wheelers. 

However, considering the facts of introduction of a battery system that enables long distance ride when charged, the requirement of a high capacity battery system for luxury electric three-wheelers with air conditioning facilities as well as considering the weight added when using electricity resistant breaks, the industrialists engaged in production and conversion industry of electricthree-wheelers in the local market have requested the Department of Motor Traffic to amend the provisions so that the gross weight of an electric three-wheeler will not exceed the weight limit of 650 kilos including the battery system. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers, considering the proposal forwarded by the Minister of Transport, decided to approve the amendment of the Motor Traffic Act, including the proposed changes. (Newswire)

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The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) will launch a special program for three-wheelers from tomorrow, May 11, 2023.

DMT Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe stated that a pilot program will be launched to convert petrol-powered three-wheelers into electric three-wheelers.

He further said that under the pilot program, steps will be taken to initially convert 300 petrol-powered three-wheelers. (NewsWire)

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