10,000 New Rails Imported To Revamp Sri Lanka’s Railway Network

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Department of Railways says 10,000 new rails imported from China are being brought into the country to support the rehabilitation of the railway network.

The stock of rails is scheduled to be released from the port today.

Of the 10,000 rails, nearly 5,000 will be used to rehabilitate sections of the Coastal Line where speed restrictions are currently in place.

The Department plans to replace the existing rails at around 50 locations between Colombo Fort and Panadura.

The Department of Railways also said steps are being taken to commence the construction and renovation of railway bridges as part of the rehabilitation programme.

The work is expected to take approximately six months to complete. 

Nearly Rs. 2 billion has been spent on the purchase of the new rails.

The Department of Railways expects the project to significantly reduce daily train delays on the Coastal Railway Line once the rehabilitation work is completed.