A new electric railway project covering Colombo and its suburbs is expected to commence next year, with preliminary planning for the project already completed, Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Ruwan Senarath said.

The proposed Colombo electric railway is expected to begin from Maradana and cover key areas of the Colombo metropolitan region, providing commuters with a faster, more efficient and modern public transport service.

According to Senarath, the project is currently at the preliminary planning stage, with further work expected to be undertaken before construction begins.

The proposed railway is expected to improve connectivity between Colombo and its suburbs while offering an alternative to the existing road-based public transport network, which faces increasing pressure from traffic congestion and growing commuter demand.

The introduction of an electric railway system would also represent a move towards more efficient and environmentally sustainable public transport, while potentially reducing travel times for daily commuters.

Senarath said the Government was working towards commencing the project next year as part of efforts to modernise the country’s public transport infrastructure.