Colombo-BIA express rail link soon
 

by Rajmi Manatunga

The construction of the Colombo-Katunayake express railway line, Sri Lanka's first ever express rail link system will commence next month.

Railways Ministry sources told the Daily News that the US $ 200 million project funded by the Chinese government will be launched in November after receiving Cabinet approval.

The proposed express rail link which runs from Ratmalana to Katunayake is aimed at facilitating efficient and expedient transport to and from the country's aviation hub, the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

"In most countries the main airport is linked to all central points of the country through railway lines. With increased passenger traffic at the BIA, Sri Lanka also felt the need to link other parts of the country, especially Colombo to the airport," a Ministry spokesman said.

He said the lack of a rail rink to the BIA was a minus point for Sri Lanka's tourism industry since foreign tourists arriving in Sri Lanka often face difficulties in reaching the Capital.

In addition, the new railway line is also expected to facilitate transport of commuters to and from the Katunayake Free Trade Zone and also reduce traffic congestion on the Colombo-Negombo highway.