The Cabinet has approved awarding consultancy services for a feasibility study and detailed design work for the extension of the Kelani Valley Railway Line from Avissawella to Ratnapura.

The decision follows a procurement process under the national competitive bidding system, where eight parties submitted expressions of interest and four were shortlisted for evaluation.

Based on recommendations from the Consultant Procurement Committee, the contract has been awarded to Resources Development Consultants (Pvt) Ltd at a cost of Rs. 356.22 million (excluding taxes).

The proposal was presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, with the project aimed at advancing planning for the proposed railway expansion.