Speaking to media, Railway Department Superintendent Vijaya Samarasinghe has said that several rounds of discussion were held on this regard and that the plan would be finalised this week.

“The Ministry of Transport had proposed the new railway line from Maradana to Battaramulla to ease traffic congestion," he said.

Final decisions and recommendations on the estimated cost of the railway line and other important issues will be finalised after a steering committee comprising officials from the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and Transport Ministry meet, he has added.

“Among the buildings which will be found in the railway line, will have to be removed only if we could negotiate with the owners on compensation. Otherwise, the railway line will have to be built over the buildings. Further, we are able to use electric trains too. But, it is up to the Transport Ministry to make a final decision with regard to this,” Mr. Samarasinghe has further said.