Rs. 250 Mn allocated to extend Kelani Valley railway line beyond Avissawella

• Proposed project seeks to reconstruct and extend the existing line, running parallel to the old railway track   

The government has allocated Rs. 250 million from the 2025 Budget to commence initial work on extending the Kelani Valley railway line beyond Avissawella, with the aim of enhancing railway efficiency and improving public transport connectivity.  

The proposed project seeks to reconstruct and extend the existing line, running parallel to the old railway track, which currently terminates at Avissawella. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader programme to modernize Sri Lanka’s railway network and upgrade transport infrastructure.   

According to a statement from the Cabinet of Ministers, the project’s next phase will involve conducting a feasibility study and preparing a detailed development plan for the railway extension. The Cabinet has approved a proposal submitted by the Acting Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to begin the procurement process for selecting a consultancy firm to carry out the necessary feasibility and planning work.  Officials said the extension of the Kelani Valley railway line is expected to improve passenger transport services, reduce road congestion, and support regional development in areas beyond Avissawella once completed.