Earlier this month (June), a potentially catastrophic incident was narrowly avoided when two trains were found running close to each other on the same track along Sri Lanka’s coastal railway line. The root cause was a fault in the signalling system – a technical failure that could have ended in tragedy.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. In fact, railway-related problems have become almost routine in the country, ranging from derailments and mechanical failures to collisions with wildlife, especially elephants. The pattern is alarming. Despite being one of the most relied-upon modes of public transport in the country, Sri Lanka’s railway service remains trapped in short-term fixes. The authorities are not blind to the issues. Over the years, various governments have imported new train compartments, recruited staff across different sectors of the railway service, and carried out repairs. Yet, these measures have failed to bring lasting stability to the millions of working commuters who depend on the railway every day.

At the heart of this issue is a well-known truth – I.e. Sri Lanka’s railway infrastructure is outdated. Much of it was built during the British colonial era, and what we see today is largely an extension or minor improvement of that original framework. Over the decades, while other nations modernised their transport systems with technology, innovation, and long-term planning, Sri Lanka has largely been content with patchwork solutions.

In this context, it is no longer enough to address problems as they arise. The time has come for a holistic approach to railway reform. This means not just repairing what is broken, but rethinking the entire railway system from infrastructure and technology to workforce development, cleanliness, punctuality, and commuter experience.

One of the first steps should be upgrading the signalling systems across the country. Modern railway networks around the world rely on advanced electronic and automated systems that reduce the margin for human error and technical glitches. A serious investment in technology is not a luxury; it is a necessity for public safety.

Another key area that demands attention is the training and morale of railway staff. While the recruitment of new personnel is commendable, training must go beyond basic instruction. Workers must be equipped with modern skills, from technical maintenance to customer service, and be motivated to uphold the values of safety, professionalism, and efficiency.

Moreover, the physical condition of trains and stations needs urgent improvement. Many train compartments are dirty, poorly ventilated, and overcrowded. Railway stations often lack basic amenities and upkeep. If public transport is to be promoted as a viable alternative to private vehicles, as successive governments have promised, then, commuters must be treated with dignity and provided the basic facilities. Punctual and well-maintained trains should be the norm.

Although long-term improvements require substantial financial investment, there are several meaningful changes that can be made with minimal resources. Enhancing cleanliness at stations and on trains, launching awareness campaigns to promote train travel, and ensuring punctuality are achievable with better management. Administrative actions and proper law enforcement can also address problems like online railway ticket scams and the malfunctioning or misuse of railway gates. At the same time, more methodical and practical interventions can help address issues such as railway employees not being hired with adequate time for training. To get the support that it needs to achieve these, the Government can enter into public-private partnerships or other similar collaborations.

Short-term solutions have failed to bring about significant changes. It is time for vision, commitment, and action. In other words, the railway service should be seen as a resource that can be developed and benefited from rather than a service that merely has to be maintained.