Kasikote elephant tunnel project Work to resume on SL’s first-ever elephant crossing tunnel under railway lines

Despite its current shortcomings, authorities emphasized that the tunnel remains a positive and vital initiative

Authorities have announced the resumption of construction on a half-built elephant crossing tunnel under the railway track in Kasikote, Galgamuwa on January 19, Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi said. The tunnel, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, is part of a national initiative to reduce train-elephant collisions.   

The wildlife tunnel is being constructed as a component of the Mahawa–Omanthai railway rehabilitation project. A joint inspection report by the Railway Department noted that the tunnel, originally built without proper regulations or an environmental assessment by the Wildlife Conservation Department, contains several problematic areas requiring urgent attention.   

Construction of the tunnel began on March 1, 2024, in Gatadivula-Kasikote, Galgamuwa, as an early step in efforts to minimize human-elephant conflicts. Despite its current shortcomings, authorities emphasized that the tunnel remains a positive and vital initiative to ensure safer passage for both elephants and humans.   

Minister Patabendi noted that the half-constructed tunnel is currently too narrow for grown elephants to pass through and is situated six feet below the level of the main road running parallel to the railway tracks. “Speed bumps have been installed on the main road near the tunnel to slow vehicles, and a CCTV monitoring system is in place,” the Minister added.   

In addition, a public awareness programme has been launched to educate train drivers on preventing sudden elephant-related accidents. A total of 147 signboards have been installed along railway lines in identified elephant accident-prone areas to further enhance safety.