{"id":546890,"date":"2025-06-29T12:09:03","date_gmt":"2025-06-29T02:09:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slrailwayforum.com\/government-prioritizes-modernizing-public-transport-to-elevate-national-development\/"},"modified":"2025-06-29T12:09:03","modified_gmt":"2025-06-29T02:09:03","slug":"government-prioritizes-modernizing-public-transport-to-elevate-national-development-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=546890","title":{"rendered":"Government Prioritizes Modernizing Public Transport to Elevate National Development"},"content":{"rendered":"

President Anura Kumara Disanayake announced the government\u2019s commitment to transforming Sri Lanka\u2019s public transport system as part of a broader push to elevate the nation\u2019s development. Speaking at the launch of the “Dream Destination”<\/em> project\u2014a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative to modernize 100 railway stations\u2014the President emphasized the need for systemic change, accountability, and efficient infrastructure to reduce road fatalities, traffic congestion, and environmental harm.<\/p>\n

Key Highlights:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Modernizing Railways:<\/strong> The government, alongside private sector partners, will renovate 100 railway stations to improve safety, accessibility, and passenger comfort while aligning with global standards.<\/li>\n
  • Road Safety & Economic Impact:<\/strong> With around eight daily road fatalities and traffic congestion costing 2-3% of GDP annually, strengthening public transport is a top priority.<\/li>\n
  • New Rail Projects:<\/strong> Plans include new railway lines from Kottawa to Avissawella and Avissawella to Ratnapura, as well as reviving the Nuwara Eliya\u2013Nanu Oya line for tourism.<\/li>\n
  • Strict Accountability:<\/strong> The President stressed that misuse of public property will not be tolerated, and all individuals must adhere to the rule of law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake presented the Road Safety Action Plan 2025\u20132026<\/em>, highlighting the urgent need for improved public transport to mitigate future infrastructure strain. Private sector representatives and engineering experts also shared plans for railway upgrades, including safer level crossings.<\/p>\n

    The event was attended by senior government officials, private sector leaders, and transport experts, marking a collaborative step toward a more sustainable and efficient transport system.<\/p>\n

    Image from Anura Kumara Dissanayake Facebook Page<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    Image from Anura Kumara Dissanayake Facebook Page<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Government Prioritizes Modernizing Public Transport to Elevate National Development<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[471,485,9280,484],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-546890","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","category-sri-lanka","category-sri-lanka-railways","category-srilanka"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t