LRT project halted - Central Expressway extended up to Gannoruwa

Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Mr. Bimal Ratnayake, stated in Parliament today that the planned Light Rail Transit (LRT) project cannot proceed. The government has conducted a special study on this project, and this decision was taken due to the high cost involved and the limited number of passengers it would serve.

Considering these facts, the government has decided that the Light Rail project is neither practical nor successful. For this reason, the Minister further stated that the government's attention is now focused on more economically advantageous and effective alternatives for passenger transport, such as the Metro Bus project.

Furthermore, the Minister revealed that construction work on the Central Expressway is currently being concluded at Galagedara with clear plans to extend the road to Gannoruwa in the future. The Minister stated this today in Parliament, responding to several questions raised by MP Anuradha Jayaratne. He also informed the House that many more road development projects are planned to be carried out in the future, centered around Kandy city.

The Minister also commented on the reconstruction work of the main Upcountry railway line between Colombo and Kandy, which has been damaged due to various factors. Accordingly, Minister Bimal Ratnayake further stated that the construction work on the currently stalled railway line is expected to be completed by the end of this year or within the first two months of 2027.