New railway bridge to be built across Mahaweli River with Indian funding

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to construct a new railway bridge across the Mahaweli River between Sarasavi Uyana and Peradeniya, with financial assistance from India.

The bridge will be constructed on the Matale railway line as part of efforts to improve railway connectivity and develop an extensive suburban railway network covering the Greater Kandy area.

According to the Cabinet decision, funding for the project will be obtained through an Indian Line of Credit intended for the rehabilitation and development of railway infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Ditwah.

The proposed bridge is expected to improve the integration of the Matale railway line with the national railway network.

The government is also planning to develop an extensive suburban railway network in the Greater Kandy area, with a feasibility study currently underway.

The proposed development includes converting the main railway line from Kadugannawa to Gampola via Peradeniya into a double-track railway line.

Plans also include converting the Matale railway line between Peradeniya and Katugastota into a double-track railway line.

The government has identified the need to address capacity constraints caused by the existing single-track railway infrastructure while improving the reliability and connectivity of train services.

The Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to proceed with the construction of the new bridge.