Wheels move to extend Colombo - Katunayake railway line

Irangika RANGE

Plans have been made to extend the Colombo - Katunayake railway line by another 300 meters from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) railway station to the airport.

Transport Minister Kumara Welgama told the Daily News this step has been taken to facilitate passengers.

The extension is expected to cost Rs 30 million while another Rs 40 million will be spent for the construction of a railway station.

Plans are also afoot to construct the new railway station with latest facilities to provide a comfortable service for foreign guests. "Special air conditioned rooms will also be built as changing and rest rooms for guests," he said.

The Colombo - Katunayake railway track has been completed as a dual railway track up to Seeduwa and plans are underway to construct it up to the BIA as a dual track, the minister said.

The minister said the luxury train service from Colombo to BIA will be further developed to provide a comfortable ride for tourists, aiming at promoting tourism.