The newly renovated Bambalapitiya Railway Station was officially opened to the public today (10), under the “Dream Destination” initiative aimed at upgrading 100 railway stations under the national “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara.
The Rs. 60 million project was fully funded by the local Dawoodi Bohra community and was launched on March 19, 2026. The renovation was completed within five months through a public-private partnership.
The project included improvements to the station’s main building, platforms 1 and 2, sanitary facilities, electrical and water systems, and CCTV security. An overhead bridge connecting the highway with the railway line and a modern cafeteria were also constructed.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara commended the Bohra community for contributing to the project, saying it demonstrated a positive shift towards private sector involvement in public service.
He also outlined several planned transport developments, including a pilot electric train service between Maradana and Makumbura, with an allocation of Rs. 80 billion, the extension of the Kelani Valley railway line and the widening of the High-Level Road to four lanes.
The “Dream Destination” initiative has previously resulted in the renovation and handover of railway stations at Talpe, Narahenpita, Maradana and Polonnaruwa.
Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salie, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Muneer Mawlaffar, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar, Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, senior ministry and railway officials and representatives of the Dawoodi Bohra community also attended the ceremony.
