Narahenpita railway station reopens after renovation

Colombo, July 6 (Daily Mirror) - The renovated Narahenpita Railway Station was officially reopened to the public this morning (6) under the government’s ‘Dream Destination’ initiative aimed at upgrading 100 railway stations across the country through a public-private partnership model.

The reopening ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake, with the project implemented under the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat in coordination with the Ministry and the Department of Railways.

Located on the Kelani Valley Line between Kota Road and Kirulapone stations, the Narahenpita Railway Station had remained largely neglected for years and was in a deteriorated condition with limited passenger facilities, despite serving a high volume of commuters accessing nearby public and private institutions.

Rehabilitation work began on 27 September 2025, with financial support from MAGA Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd. and technical assistance from NIO Engineering. The Rs. 40 million project included the construction of a pedestrian overhead bridge, a new station roof, extension of the second platform, upgraded sanitation and drainage systems, installation of seating, improved lighting, refurbishment of railway quarters, and resurfacing of access roads.

Speaking at the event, Minister Rathnayake said the ‘Dream Destination’ programme is focused on improving passenger facilities while simultaneously upgrading railway infrastructure and human resources. He said the government is working to address long-standing issues in the railway sector through systematic reforms and service improvements.

He also announced that initial steps towards introducing an electric railway service would begin next year, with priority corridors including Colombo–Panadura, Colombo–Makumbura and Colombo–Ragama.

The Minister further said that the government is pursuing public-private partnerships to modernise transport infrastructure, describing the initiative as part of broader efforts to improve public services and enhance commuter safety and convenience.

Senior officials from the railway sector, the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, and representatives of MAGA Engineering also attended the event.