Written by Jiffry• August 8, 2026• 5:30 pm• Current Affairs • Views: 24

Railway Expansion Moves Ahead with Ratnapura Extension, Electrification and New Trains

Several railway projects are moving ahead to address delays, expand services and improve train capacity, including the proposed extension of the Kelani Valley (KV) line to Ratnapura.

The feasibility study for extending the KV line from Avissawella to Ratnapura is now underway. Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena said the study should finish by December, after which detailed designs and procurement will begin.

More projects to improve railway services

The Railway Department is also working with the Road Development Authority (RDA) on plans to address four rail barriers between Kosgama and Avissawella. These barriers have created bottlenecks along the route.

Meanwhile, a proposal to double-track the Polgahawela–Kurunegala railway line is also in the project pipeline.

The feasibility study for the Colombo suburban railway electrification project is also underway. Construction is expected to begin next year, according to Gunasena.

New trains and track improvements

The department has identified 12 bridges on the Coastal Line that require reconstruction to reduce delays. Tenders have been called, and contracts for two bridges have already been awarded.

Officials expect to award contracts for the remaining 10 bridges before the end of this year.

The department has also ordered 10,000 rail clips to improve track conditions on the Coastal Line. Delivery has been delayed by the conflict in the Middle East, but the shipment is expected within a month.

Meanwhile, the procurement process for five new Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train sets has reached the mid-evaluation stage. The department aims to award the contract before the end of this year.

Proposals under the 2027 Public Investment Programme also include five bi-directional train sets and five new locomotives.

If these projects progress as planned, passengers could eventually see more trains, improved tracks and fewer infrastructure bottlenecks. The planned electrification could also improve suburban services, while the KV line could extend beyond Avissawella towards Ratnapura.