Shopping malls, vehicle parks at Railway Station

Yasaratne Gamage

Arrangements are underway to get local and foreign investors to construct shopping complexes, vehicle parks and accommodation facilities at railway stations, Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said. Railway stations will get a face-lift according to timely requirements, making it a reality in line with the Mahinda Chintana, Welgama said.

The Transport Ministry, Railway Department and State Engineering Corporation have already laid the initiatives in this regard, he said at the Transport Ministry Auditorium during a discussion with Railway and State Engineering officials.

The Minister said that investors were not keen on investing due to the present Railway law of five year lease act.

He requested the Transport Secretary and Railway Authorities to work together and amend this so that the premises could be leased on a long-term lease basis.

The Minister also advised officials to take immediate action to supply water and electricity to railway stations which lack these facilities.