The Narahenpita Railway Station, upgraded under the ‘Dream Destination’ initiative to modernize 100 railway stations across the country through public-private partnerships, was officially reopened to the public this morning (06) under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake.
The ‘Dream Destination’ program is being implemented as a sustainable initiative by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, under the guidance of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the supervision of the Sri Lanka Railways Department, with the objective of improving passenger facilities and modernizing railway infrastructure nationwide.
Located on the Kelani Valley Railway Line between Kota Road and Kirulapone railway stations, the Narahenpita Railway Station had remained in a deteriorated and unsafe condition for many years without major renovations, despite serving a large number of commuters travelling to one of Colombo’s busiest commercial and administrative areas.
Renovation work commenced on 27 September 2025, led by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, with financial and construction support from MAGA Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd. and technical expertise provided by NIO Engineering.
The project included the construction of a new pedestrian overpass, installation of a new station roof, extension of the second platform, upgrading of sanitation and drainage facilities, interior and exterior repainting, installation of new passenger seating, renovation of railway staff quarters, modernization of the lighting system, resurfacing of the station access road, and several other infrastructure improvements.
The total investment made by MAGA Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd. for the project amounted to Rs. 40 million.
Addressing the reopening ceremony, Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the primary objective of the Dream Destination initiative is to enhance railway services by providing improved facilities for passengers while upgrading both the human and physical resources of the railway sector.
He stated that the Government is implementing a long-term plan to address longstanding issues within the railway system and improve the overall public transport network through comprehensive reforms.
The Minister also announced that Sri Lanka’s first phase of electric railway services is expected to commence next year, with operations initially planned on the Colombo–Panadura, Colombo–Makumbura, and Colombo–Ragama corridors.
He further noted that the Government has launched a collaborative public-private development model to modernize transport-related infrastructure, adding that the Dream Destination programme represents another important step towards improving passenger safety, convenience, and the future of public transportation.
The event was attended by Member of Parliament Lakmali Hemachandra, officials from the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, Sri Lanka Railways, MAGA Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd., the Colombo Municipal Council, and representatives from several government and private sector institutions.
