While symbolising the first train service in the country from Colombo Fort to Ambepussa railway station in 1864, the Railways department has planned to operate a steam-powered train between the two stations, Railways General Manager (GMR) Dhammika Jayasuriya said.

He said Sri Lanka Railways has a special spot in the tourism industry. The main objective of this is to attract the inbound tourists.

The GM of railways pointed out that the improvement of the railway service is the practical solution to ease the current traffic congestion.

"Therefore, priority has been given to starting a number of special projects. The extension of the main railway line to Battaramulla and the introduction of electric trains to the country have been categorised as top priorities, "the GMR said.

It has been identified that the railway line should be extended to the capital as a solution to the transport problems faced by the public servants and the morning traffic congestion in the Colombo suburbs.

The electric trains are expected to be introduced for commuters travelling from Panadura to Veyangoda and Polgahawela to Kalutara, which account for about 70% of the current trains.

This will help to increase the number of commuters currently covering those areas to around 600,000. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)