Feasibility study to extend Kelani Valley Railway line to Ratnapura

22 October 2025 04:17 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 11 Bookmark

A A A

Join our WhatsApp Channel

The government has approved a proposal to conduct a feasibility study and prepare a detailed plan to extend the Kelani Valley (Kalaniweli) railway line from Awissawella to Ratnapura, in a move aimed at improving public transport and strengthening railway connectivity.

A sum of Rs. 250 million has been allocated under the 2025 Budget to commence initial work on the project, which seeks to enhance the efficiency of rail services and ease congestion in the public transport network.

According to the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, the new line will be rebuilt parallel to the previous railway track, which once connected the region before operations ceased decades ago.

Once completed, the project is expected to provide a modernized rail link between Colombo, Awissawella, and Ratnapura—supporting economic development, tourism, and easier access for commuters in the Sabaragamuwa region.

Comments - 11

Lion Wednesday, 22 October 2025 04:41 PM

Please do it , it will a big boost for tourism, once traveled from Navinna station to Kuruvita station by small gage stream train and it was a memorable trip.

0 11

Satya Sakya Wednesday, 22 October 2025 04:50 PM

It would be interesting to know what initial work has actually commenced with the allocated funds of Rs. 250 million under the 2025 budget. I hope this isn’t just another feel-good announcement to create the impression that the government is carrying out development work — I haven’t even seen a single backhoe in the area.

5 38

P Kunchithapathan Wednesday, 22 October 2025 05:58 PM

It is indeed a welcome move to extend the Kelani Valley Railway Line up to Ratnapura, the famed Ruwanpura. However, the current service operates at an unacceptably slow speed. It is hoped that the government will expedite the track upgrades to enable higher speeds and significantly reduce travel time.

0 8

Tavisha Udupihille Wednesday, 22 October 2025 06:20 PM

Previous track was narrow gauge to allow it to traverse through a lot of curves. The present line in broad gauge and cannot go along the same trace. Will need a totally new trace if the line is to be extended

0 75

Jagath Leanage Wednesday, 22 October 2025 06:23 PM

Very good move. Many decades ago this line was there. If it rebuild again, people in Sabaragamuwa will be benefited hugely.

2 4

Upulpb Wednesday, 22 October 2025 07:32 PM

Absolute waste of time and money! Improve the existing line to Awissawella with an additional line and make it a commercialy viable project. By easing the traffic congestion on the road vehicle traffic to Ratnapura and beyond could be improved.

4 6

Dr. Dee esquire Wednesday, 22 October 2025 09:11 PM

Will not happen! Period!

1 3

Mathew Wednesday, 22 October 2025 09:30 PM

Same time a feasibility study should be carried out extending the line from KKS station to Palali airport. This will improve tourism ,transport to south and good connectivity with economic development to the whole country.

0 0

Perera Thursday, 23 October 2025 12:23 AM

This railway line had been there upto Opanayaka beyond Ratnapura.

0 0

sam Thursday, 23 October 2025 09:28 AM

First Ratnapura and then beyond

0 0

Lalla Thursday, 23 October 2025 10:10 PM

Bandaranaike era responsible for removing narrow gauge railway lines in Ceylon. First stopped Nanuoya to Kandapola via Nuwaraeliya sector. Sirimawo suspended Avissawella to Openayake line.Also there was a track from Avissawella to Dehiowita which has been removed by the same regime.

0 1

222

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.