Railway lines are extended

The government has taken steps to purchase new trains and power sets to enhance the existing rolling stock of Sri Lanka Railways and further streamline railway services, as well as to upgrade several sections of the existing railway track system. Addressing Parliament, Deputy Minister of Transport Dr. Prasanna Gunasekara stated that although there are no immediate plans to further extend the overall length of the railway network, development work on existing routes, including the section from Polgahawela to Kurunegala, is currently underway.

Under this modernization program, procurement activities for acquiring five new power sets have commenced, and the evaluation of related tender proposals is currently underway. It is expected that the relevant contract will be awarded before the end of 2026, and funds for purchasing another five train sets are to be allocated through the 2027 budget. Additionally, there are plans to purchase a number of new trains capable of running in both directions, which can be used for short-distance services.

The government has also initiated a special project to locally assemble three light rail sets within Sri Lanka. The Deputy Minister stated that bids have been invited for this project, and the received proposals are currently being evaluated. He further mentioned that they expect to finalize the relevant procurement activities within the next three months, i.e., before the end of 2026.