EconomyPoliticsHOTWednesday, April 29, 2026

Colombo Suburban Electric Train Project Targets Early Next Year Launch

TLDR

Colombo Electric Train Project approved, launch set for early 2027.
President Dissanayake, Minister Rathnayake greenlit project.
Phase 1: Electric trains for Kelani Valley, Main, Coastal to Panadura.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened a meeting today (29) with officials from the Ministry of Transport and Highways at the Presidential Secretariat to review the Colombo Suburban Railway Project. The discussions focused on modernizing railway services within the Colombo suburban area, with a particular emphasis on the introduction of electric trains. Plans are underway to commence the first phase of electric train services early next year, covering 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. The project also involves operating these new electric services parallel to existing ones and considering the renovation of railway tracks to a standard gauge from the current broad gauge. Securing necessary financial provisions and addressing potential implementation challenges were also key points of discussion during the meeting.

2 Updates

Update #3\u00b7 May 4 · 4:16 AM

Following discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake announced that approval has been granted to commence work on the Colombo Suburban Electric Train Project. The project is now slated to begin in early 2027, with construction of the required rail infrastructure, including tracks and operational systems, expected to start within the first few months of the year. The first phase will include electric train services 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.

Update #2\u00b7 Apr 29 · 10:32 AM

A discussion was held today (April 29) at the Presidential Secretariat between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and officials from the Ministry of Transport and Highways regarding the modernisation of Colombo's suburban railway services. The meeting focused on the Colombo Suburban Railway Project, with plans considered for the first phase to include electric train services on the Kelani Valley Line from Maradana to Makumbura, the Main Line from Colombo Fort to Ragama, and a segment of the Coastal Line.

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