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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Cotta Road near the railway crossing will be closed to traffic from Saturday (06) morning due to renovation work on the Kelani Valley railway line, the Police said. 

Sri Lanka Railways Engineering Division informed the Colombo Traffic Division that the closure will remain in effect from 9:30 am on Saturday (06) until 7:30 am on Sunday (07). 

Train services on the line will also be suspended during this period.

The Police have requested motorists to use the following alternative routes:

• From Borella Junction towards Ayurvedic Junction (heavy vehicles and dual‑purpose vehicles): Turn right at Tickell Road Junction onto Castle Road, then left onto Parliament Road, and proceed to Ayurvedic Junction.
• From Borella Junction towards Ayurvedic Junction (motorcycles, three‑wheelers, cars): Proceed along Cotta Road to Ruhunukala Mawatha Junction, turn left, continue along Ruhunukala Mawatha, then right at Kuruppu Road Junction to rejoin Cotta Road and reach Ayurvedic Junction.
• From Ayurvedic Junction towards Borella Junction (heavy vehicles and dual‑purpose vehicles): Enter Parliament Road at Ayurvedic Junction, proceed via Model Farm Junction and D.S. Junction, then turn right at D.S. Junction to reach Borella Junction.
• From Ayurvedic Junction towards Borella Junction (motorcycles, three‑wheelers, cars): Proceed along Cotta Road to Rodney Street Junction, turn right, continue via Kuruppu Mawatha and Ruhunukala Mawatha, then rejoin Cotta Road to reach Borella Junction.

The Police said the measures are necessary to facilitate urgent railway renovation work and urged motorists to use the alternative routes to minimize inconvenience. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka will begin a phased programme to electrify and modernise its suburban railway network starting in 2027, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena announced.

It is reported that the initiative, developed on presidential instructions, will focus on two priorities: restoring damaged railway infrastructure and introducing an electrified commuter rail system. 

Officials said immediate efforts will concentrate on repairing tracks to resume services quickly, followed by slope protection measures such as retaining walls and improved drainage to minimise landslide and weather‑related risks.

In the second stage, upgrades will target key commuter corridors including the Coastal Line, the Main Line via Polgahawela and Rambukkana, and the Kelani Valley Line. 

Under the Colombo suburban rail modernisation plan, electrified services are scheduled to roll out from 2027 on the Fort–Ragama, Fort–Panadura, and Maradana–Makumbura routes. These lines will later be integrated into a wider suburban rail loop designed to ease daily travel into Colombo.

The project will introduce standard‑gauge tracks (4 feet 8.5 inches) and new electric trains to support frequent short‑distance services. 

Officials emphasized that the metro‑style commuter rail cannot be rolled out in one go due to its scale and cost, and will therefore be delivered in stages. 

The long‑term plan envisions a complete transformation of suburban transport, with full implementation expected to take between 10 and 15 years.

The initial phase, which includes electrifying priority routes, is expected to reach completion within three to four years once construction begins. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to acquire land from Maradana to Avissawella for the planned development of the Kelani Valley railway line.

The move follows earlier policy approval to modernize the line and resettle families living along the railway reservation. The Cabinet has now granted prior approval to allocate the necessary provisions for resettlement.

Accordingly, land located within the Colombo, Thimbirigasyaya, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Maharagama, Homagama, Padukka, and Seethawaka Divisional Secretariat divisions will be acquired by the respective Divisional Secretaries.

The proposal was presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and received Cabinet approval. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has awarded the consultancy contract for the feasibility study and preparation of detailed plans to extend the Kelani Valley Railway Line from Avissawella to Ratnapura.

The contract has been awarded to M/s. Resources Development Consultants (Pvt) Ltd at a total cost of Rs. 356.22 million, exclusive of taxes, following the recommendation of the Consultant Procurement Committee.

The decision follows Cabinet approval granted on October 21, 2025, to initiate the study. 

Expressions of interest were called under the national competitive procurement procedure, with eight bidders responding. 

After evaluating technical proposals, financial proposals from four eligible institutions were reviewed before the final selection. (Newswire)

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Train services on the Northern Railway Line resumed on Thursday (09) following the completion of restoration work on cyclone-damaged sections.

The repairs were carried out with support from the Government of India under a USD 5 million grant, part of a broader USD 450 million assistance package.

The restoration was completed ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, enabling the resumption of a key transport link and improving connectivity in affected areas. (Newswire)

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The future of Sri Lanka’s upcountry railway line has come under scrutiny, with the Station Masters’ Union raising serious concerns over stalled bridge repairs and the absence of clear plans for restoration.

The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union alleges that renovation work on the Peradeniya railway bridge on the upcountry line has now been halted, and that there are no plans to commence restoration work on the railway line between Rambukkana and Kadugannawa.

Issuing a media release, the union states that although the government initially proposed to intervene and construct a new dual bridge to repair the Peradeniya railway bridge of the upcountry line damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, later plans were drawn up instead to renovate the old bridge.

It further notes that the government announced that trains would run to Kandy in April 2026.

However, although the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) became involved in the renovation work through government intervention, the union states that the work carried out so far has been halted because the Railway Engineering Technical Committee expressed the view that the work did not meet the required inspection standards.

Accordingly, it is noted that the Railway Department has proposed calling for another report on the future work of this bridge.

The union also points out in its statement that certain actions of the present General Manager of Railways have caused these problems.

They allege that appointing an officer of the state administrative service as General Manager of Railways has given rise to this problematic situation.

The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union charges that the present General Manager of Railways is acting to reduce train operations in order to minimize expenses, based on a very simple argument of showing that the department is making a profit.

The union points out that the inability of departmental officials to express their views, and the failure of the General Manager of Railways to listen to the opinions of other officials, has not only brought disrepute to the present government but also caused severe hardship to railway passengers.

Therefore, they point out that the problematic situation has mainly affected the restoration of the line damaged by subsidence.

Accordingly, the union further requests the relevant responsible authorities to appoint a committee consisting of retired railway engineers who have served as General Managers of Railways, in order to restore train operations swiftly to normalcy. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Society of Logistics and Transport (SLSTL) has renewed its call for the government to prioritize a modern, disaster-resilient rail corridor to Kandy, urging that feasibility studies begin in 2026. 

The proposal, first developed with the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) in 2017, identified two viable alternatives that build on the proposed electrified double‑track up to Rambukkana: the Galagedera Trace, linking Rambukkana to Katugastota and Kandy via the Galagedera Pass, and the Pattiagedera Trace, connecting Rambukkana to Kandy through the Yattewera Oya valley.

Both routes promise faster travel times of under 90 minutes to Kandy, safer alignments with reduced landslide risk, electrification extensions from Polgahawela, and expanded access to the hill country to support tourism. 

They also allow double‑track capability for up to 50 trains daily, compared to the current 20, while avoiding the environmentally unsound and costly option of double‑tracking the existing line.

SLSTL stresses that Cyclone Ditwah’s devastation, which left key sections of the Main Line impassable and raised doubts over the Peradeniya bridge’s integrity, underscores the urgent need to rethink Sri Lanka’s 150‑year‑old railway system. 

With global cities already linked by high‑speed intercity services, SLSTL insists Sri Lanka must shift policy toward rail‑first mobility, building smarter and more sustainable infrastructure rather than simply repairing what was lost. 

Full statement:

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Sri Lanka Railways has announced the schedule for the resumption of the Eastern Railway Service up to Batticaloa from Wednesday (24 Dec).

According to the Railway Department, train operations between Gal Oya and Batticaloa are scheduled to recommence from tomorrow.

As such, for passengers travelling from Colombo Fort to Batticaloa:

The Trincomalee‑bound train No. 7083, departing Colombo Fort at 6.00 a.m., will arrive at Gal Oya station. From there, the Batticaloa‑bound train (No. 6011) is scheduled to operate, reaching Batticaloa at 12.40 p.m.

For passengers travelling from Batticaloa to Colombo Fort:

The Batticaloa‑bound train No. 6012 will depart Batticaloa at 5.00 a.m. and arrive at Gal Oya station. At Gal Oya, it will connect with the Trincomalee‑Colombo Fort train, enabling passengers to continue their journey to Colombo Fort. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Transport says the greatest damage has occurred to the up‑country railway line as a result of adverse weather.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Prasanna Gunasena, said that 12 train sets have been stranded at the Rambukkana, Polgahawela, Kurunegala, and Ganewatta railway stations alone.

Issuing a statement, he further said that the Bujgamuwa bridge and the Yattalgoda landslide‑affected areas have been completely blocked between the Ambepussa and Alawwa railway stations.

Stating that restoration work is being carried out continuously for 24 hours to reopen these sections, the Deputy Minister said that through this, the stranded trains will be able to resume operations.

“We extend our gratitude to all railway staff who dedicate themselves day and night to this duty, and to the Sri Lanka Army for their contribution to disaster management.

According to Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena, trains halted at stations due to the inability to operate because of the weather are as follows;

• Rambukkana

1. 1531‑S‑11 Double set
2. 1537‑S‑8 Double set
3. 1512‑Single power set
4. 1527‑Single power set
5. 1518‑Single power set

• Polgahawela

1. 1507‑Single power set
2. 1526‑S‑10 Double set
3. 1535‑Indian coaches with engine
4. 1528‑Single power set

• Ganewatta

1. 4856‑S‑10 Double set

• Kurunegala

1. 4089‑Indian coaches with engine
2. 4859‑S‑11 Single (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka today launched the ‘Dream Destination’ programme aimed at modernising 100 railway stations across the country under a public-private partnership.

The initiative, jointly undertaken by the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation together with the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme, will upgrade railway stations with the support of private sector sponsors.

The first project was inaugurated in Galle, where the Talpe railway station is being renovated with financial assistance from Star Garments.

Officials said the programme seeks to create a clean and modern railway network that ensures safety and comfort for all passengers, including those with special needs. (Newswire)

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The railway strike that was scheduled to begin at midnight today has been suspended.

According to the General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Railway Guards Association, the decision was reached after a discussion with the General Manager of Railways today.

The Sri Lanka Railway Guards Association had previously announced that it would launch a 48-hour trade union action from midnight on Friday (20 June).

Stating that the strike was to be conducted based on long-standing unresolved administrative issues, the association said the relevant authorities have been informed of the issues. (Newswire)

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A meeting on the RDMNS mobile application, which updates information on railway services, was held at the Ministry of Digital Economy recently.

According to the ministry, the meeting was attended by Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne, ministry advisors, and the voluntary youth group creators of the RDMNS mobile application.

The meeting focussed on integrating RDMNS with the Railway Department so that passengers experience a more efficient, transparent, and fully digitized railway service. 

During the discussion, the officials emphasised that digital technology has to be utilized to enhance the overall passenger experience, make rail transport efficient, and drive tourism through advanced transport services.

In addition, novel digital plans for railway operations were deliberated, like enhanced real-time tracking, scheduling based on artificial intelligence, and mobile tickets. 

The Ministry of Digital Economy added that Sri Lanka is taking a huge leap in the direction of a smart, technology-powered railway system for the citizens and the economy.

The RDMNS Railway Network Organization (Ratawata Dumriya Mageenge Sansadaya) is a voluntary platform led by Sri Lankan railway commuters to provide real-time railway information. (Newswire)

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Train services between Badulla and Demodara have resumed after being disrupted by a landslide in the Uduwara 7th Milepost area.

The Department of Railways confirmed that trains operating between Colombo Fort and Badulla, as well as from Badulla to Colombo Fort, are now running according to the regular schedule.

The disruption occurred on Nov. 25, when heavy rainfall triggered a landslide that deposited a large amount of earth onto the tracks near the Uduwara 7th Milepost, halting train services entirely between Badulla and Demodara.

The incident also impacted Colombo-Badulla train operations, limiting service to Nanu Oya, Bandarawela, and Ella. (Newswire)

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Cabinet approval has been granted for the disposal of scrap metals in the Sri Lanka Railway Department and Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) via international competitive bids for local industrialists. 

According to the government, a huge amount of scrap metals is collected by the Sri Lanka Railway Department and Sri Lanka Transport Board annually.

Approval was granted at the Cabinet meeting in June 2024 to remove the stock of scrap metals collected at present following the international competitive bidding procedure. 

However, the government has decided that it was appropriate to follow the international competitive bid-calling procedures and restrict the purchase of scrap metals to local industrialists as a solution for the scarcity of raw materials.

Thereby, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation to act accordingly. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union says its trade union action was called off yesterday following the intervention of former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to convene a discussion with the relevant authorities. 

Speaking to local media, the Chairman of the Union Sumedha Somaratne said the former Speaker had convened a meeting with the Minister and State Minister of Transportation last evening. 

Sumedha Somaratne said Karu Jayasuriya had personally invited them for a discussion with the authorities and had stated that he was intervening as a representative of the people. 

“We were not intending to attend any discussions with the authorities. We attended the meeting only because it was convened by the former Speaker,” he said. 

Sumedha Somaratne added that the Union had received a favourable response at the meeting leading to its decision to suspend the trade union action.  

He, however, clarified that the Union had not called off the strike due to threats by the authorities to suspend them from service. 

Stating that the authorities had delayed addressing their demands on multiple occasions, he said the Railway Station Masters had no choice but to resort to a trade union action.

The Railway Station Masters and Controllers launched a trade union action on Wednesday over several grievances, including promotions.

The trade union action resulted in the cancellation and limited operations of train services, severely inconveniencing the public. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Transport has issued letters to railway employees engaged in the ongoing trade union action acknowledging that they had vacated their posts.

Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena announced that the letters had been dispatched to railways employees who had failed to report to duty. 

Railway Station Masters and controllers launched a trade union action on Wednesday, over several grievances, including promotions. 

Several train services were cancelled and limited trains were in operation yesterday and today due to the strike action, severely inconveniencing the public. 

Amidst the strike yesterday, Sri Lanka Railways instructed all Railway Station Masters and Controllers to report to their respective railway stations or the nearest railway station on or before 12 noon. 

The General Manager of Railways, S.S. Mudalige warned that Railway Station Masters and Controllers who fail to heed the order will be considered to have vacated their service. 

Despite the warning, 922 Station Masters had not reported to work and the Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union announced the continuation of its trade union action, due to a tense standoff with the railway management.

Following the failure of the railway employees to report to duty as instructed, the Ministry of Transport has taken measures to inform that they are considered to have vacated their positions. (Newswire)

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Several train services have been cancelled today, while limited trains are in operation due to a strike action launched by the Station Masters’ Union.

The Railway Department states measures have been taken to operate a few trains.

Accordingly, two trains each will be operated from Colombo Fort to Negombo and Veyangoda, two from Polgahawela to Fort, three from Galle to Fort and one from Aluthgama to Fort.

Train operations have been disrupted today after the Station Masters’ Union of Sri Lanka Railways launched a strike from midnight yesterday, citing unresolved grievances, including promotions. The Railway Controllers have also extended their support to the strike action.

Meanwhile, the government declared public transportation, including railway services, as essential services in the wake of the trade union action by the Station Masters’ Union.

The Ministry of Transport warned that the strike launched by the Station Masters’ Union is illegal and strict disciplinary action will be taken against those not reporting for duty. (Newswire)

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The four-day strike by the Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union has been called off following discussions with the Minister of Transport.

At least twenty office trains were cancelled this morning due to the trade union action launched on Thursday.

The Union launched the strike action over several key demands, including solutions to the delays in second-class promotions of locomotive drivers. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Railways is in a critical state due to the lack of investment, Minister of Highways, Transport, and Mass Media, Bandula Gunawardena said. 

The Minister made these comments during the weekly Cabinet media briefing when questioned about the constant train cancellations and delays experienced by railway passengers.

“The Sri Lanka Railways is in a critical state. To experience an efficient railway service, there needs to be investment. The coastal line railway tracks need to be replaced every five years. Sri Lanka has always received foreign aid for these requirements, as well as for the purchase of passenger coaches, sleepers, and engines,” the Minister explained.

Gunawardena noted that the railway tracks were last upgraded with aid from the Asian Development Bank and India.

“The Northern railway track is being upgraded with Indian loans. We are in talks with the Indian government to obtain 20 railway engines under a concession,” he said.

The Minister stated that Sri Lankan railways will continue to suffer shortcomings until the country’s debt restructuring talks are complete to seek foreign loans for upgrading the ailing railways sector.

“We must be thankful to the staff of Sri Lanka Railways for maintaining services with trains that are at least 50 to 60 years old,” Gunawardena said.

“International support is required for a small economy like Sri Lanka. The government is confident that stalled transport projects will resume once debt restructuring talks are settled,” he added. (Newswire)

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