Maradana Railway Station has reopened with upgraded passenger facilities after the completion of the first phase of a renovation project fully sponsored by Akbar Brothers, with the work costing approximately Rs. 35 million.
The reopening ceremony was held under the patronage of Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake. The project forms part of the government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme and the wider “Sihinaya Gamananthaya” initiative aimed at modernising 100 railway stations across the country, carried out through a joint effort by Sri Lanka Railways, private sector partners and civil organisations.
Renovation work was completed over six months under the supervision of the Department of Archaeology, given the heritage status of the station building, which is more than 100 years old.
Upgrades delivered in the first phase include CCTV systems, new lighting, improved sanitary facilities with modern fittings, interior and exterior repainting, and landscaping. Authorities also fully restored the station roof, which had not undergone major repairs for decades, addressing long-standing water leakage problems. More than 2,000 square feet of the upper concrete roof was waterproofed, according to officials.
Maradana is one of Colombo’s busiest commuter rail hubs, connecting passengers travelling from the Coast, Main, Puttalam and Kelani Valley lines to the rest of the network. Officials said further phases of the renovation are planned at the station.
Akbar Brothers becomes the first named corporate sponsor under the Sihinaya Gamananthaya 100-station modernisation initiative.
