The government has unveiled plans to expand its train fleet and modernize existing railway infrastructure, with procurement for new locomotives already underway and completion targeted for late 2026.
Sri Lanka's transport authorities are pursuing a multi-phase railway modernization program that prioritizes fleet expansion and targeted infrastructure improvements. Deputy Minister of Transport Dr. Prasanna Gunasena informed Parliament that the government intends to purchase new rolling stock while focusing upgrades on specific sections of the existing network rather than expanding its overall length.
The procurement phase is already active, with evaluation underway for five new power sets expected to be contracted before the end of 2026. An additional ten train sets are planned for acquisition through budget allocations in 2027. The government is also exploring options for bidirectional trains suited to shorter-distance operations, according to Gunasena's parliamentary statement.
Beyond international procurement, authorities have initiated a domestic assembly initiative for three light train sets, with tender bids currently under evaluation. The government anticipates completing this procurement process within three months, ahead of the 2026 year-end deadline. These efforts aim to strengthen Sri Lanka Railways' operational capacity and enhance service quality across the network.
Improvement work is already planned for the Polgahawela–Kurunegala railway section as part of the broader infrastructure development strategy, though the government has indicated no intention to extend the network's geographical reach at this time.
