Fort Railway Station renovation begins with modern facilities planned

Renovation work officially commenced at the historic Colombo Fort Railway Station today (09), marking the beginning of a modernization program under the Colombo Suburban Railway Project (CSRP). 

The initiative aims to preserve the station’s 109‑year heritage while introducing modern passenger facilities.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Prasanna Gunesena, said the project will be completed within 15 months at a cost of Rs. 2,162.64 million, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government. 

He further said that the upgrades will enhance passenger convenience while safeguarding the station’s archaeological value.

Key developments in the first phase include:

• Construction of modern passenger bridges with elevators and escalators, replacing the old bridges at Maradana and Slave Island ends.
• A new three‑storey service building to meet passenger needs.
• Extended access facilities, including the overhead bridge across Olcott Mawatha, connected up to McCallum Road near Sampath Bank.
• Introduction of digital technology with E‑Gate facilities to streamline entry and exit.

Deputy Minister Gunesena assured that all construction will be carried out with minimal disruption to daily train operations.

source: Newswire