The government has earmarked 80 billion rupees to introduce electric trains as part of a modernization initiative for suburban transport, with construction expected to commence next year.

Sri Lanka is moving forward with plans to establish an electric railway system designed to serve as a modern suburban transport network for the country. According to Railway General Manager Ravindra Padmapriya, infrastructure planning for the project has been completed, with construction targeted to begin in the coming year.

The initial phase of development will concentrate on major commuter routes operating from Colombo's Maradana station to key suburban destinations including Ragama, Panadura, and Malawatta. Additional regional extensions are also part of the broader expansion plan. The government has allocated 80 billion rupees to fund this comprehensive infrastructure initiative.

The shift toward electric train services is intended to address the transportation needs of daily commuters by offering a network that is efficient, rapid, and environmentally sustainable. The project represents a significant step toward modernizing Sri Lanka's public transport system.