Sri Lanka will begin a phased programme to electrify and modernise its suburban railway network starting in 2027, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena announced.
It is reported that the initiative, developed on presidential instructions, will focus on two priorities: restoring damaged railway infrastructure and introducing an electrified commuter rail system.
Officials said immediate efforts will concentrate on repairing tracks to resume services quickly, followed by slope protection measures such as retaining walls and improved drainage to minimise landslide and weather‑related risks.
In the second stage, upgrades will target key commuter corridors including the Coastal Line, the Main Line via Polgahawela and Rambukkana, and the Kelani Valley Line.
Under the Colombo suburban rail modernisation plan, electrified services are scheduled to roll out from 2027 on the Fort–Ragama, Fort–Panadura, and Maradana–Makumbura routes. These lines will later be integrated into a wider suburban rail loop designed to ease daily travel into Colombo.
The project will introduce standard‑gauge tracks (4 feet 8.5 inches) and new electric trains to support frequent short‑distance services.
Officials emphasized that the metro‑style commuter rail cannot be rolled out in one go due to its scale and cost, and will therefore be delivered in stages.
The long‑term plan envisions a complete transformation of suburban transport, with full implementation expected to take between 10 and 15 years.
The initial phase, which includes electrifying priority routes, is expected to reach completion within three to four years once construction begins.
