The project is being implemented under the guidance of the Ministry of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development through its Project Management Unit, as part of the Railway Efficiency Improvement Project, with the Sri Lanka Railways serving as the executing agency.
Given the station’s historical importance, all construction and renovation work will strictly follow guidelines set by the Department of Archaeology.
A major feature of the project is the construction of a new three-story service building aimed at improving passenger convenience. The facility will include waiting areas, rest spaces, standardized restaurants, modern sanitation systems, as well as an information center, pharmacy, and postal service center.
Speaking on the development, Minister Bimal Rathnayake said accessibility within the station will be significantly enhanced by redesigning the existing pedestrian overpasses to include elevators and escalators. The upgraded walkway system will connect all platforms and provide access toward Slave Island and D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha on one side, and Maradana and Bastian Mawatha on the other.
The project will also introduce digital e-gate facilities to modernize passenger movement and improve efficiency.
To ease congestion outside the station, a dedicated vehicle yard will be developed with secure parking for three-wheelers, taxis, and private vehicles.
The entire modernization is expected to be completed within 15 months at an estimated cost of Rs. 2,162 million. Funding includes a Rs. 1,500 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with the remaining Rs. 662 million financed by the Government of Sri Lanka.
