The government plans to begin work on an electric railway system for Colombo and its suburbs in early 2027, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake said following discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Approval has been granted to move forward with the project, the minister said. Initial work will focus on developing rail infrastructure including tracks and operational systems, with construction expected to begin within the first few months of 2027. The proposed network will cover routes from Colombo to Ragama, Makumbura and Panadura, targeting daily commuters from suburban and outstation areas.
The project is expected to take three to four years to complete and will require advanced technology and expertise. The government will call for both local and international tenders, while training Sri Lankan railway personnel to operate the new system. Railway stations will be modernised alongside the rollout.
Rathnayake said the system would significantly cut travel time, with trains running at short intervals and commuters reaching Colombo within 20 to 30 minutes from suburban hubs. He acknowledged public concerns about powering an electric rail system amid ongoing electricity issues, but said the project is part of a long-term strategy to modernise transport and ease congestion.
The Transport Ministry had earlier launched a Colombo-Kandy luxury bus service as a stopgap after Cyclone Ditwah disrupted rail services in November 2025. Northern Line services have since resumed, while Kandy line restoration is targeted for end-2026.
Source: Newswire.
