The Minister told Daily Mirror that he intends to develop this rail track under the Build Own Operate (BOO) and Build Operate Transfer (BOT) systems.

“I have remained engaged with the authorities in these countries seeking investments to develop the railway line to operate electric trains for the first time in Sri Lanka. I am yet to get any response,” he said.

The track was originally developed during the British period. Currently, trains operate only up to Avissawella.

(Kelum Bandara)