Plans to introduce electric train services in parallel with the existing railway system were a key focus at a high-level discussion held this morning (29) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

The Colombo Suburban Railway Project was a key focus of the discussions, with detailed considerations on implementing electric train services across several lines. 

The first phase plans include launching electric trains on the Kelani Valley Line from Maradana to Makumbura, the Main Line from Colombo Fort to Ragama, and the Coastal Line from Colombo Fort to Panadura. 

Funding arrangements and potential challenges during implementation were extensively discussed.

Future plans also include introducing electric train services alongside the existing railway system and restoring railway infrastructure by replacing the current broad gauge with standard gauge on the lines.

It was also decided that the project will commence in early next year. 

The meeting was attended by Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake; Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena; Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Harshana Sooriyaapperuma; and Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Senior Professor Kapila C.K. Perera, along with senior officials from the Ministries of Finance and Transport.