Sri Lanka has launched an ambitious nationwide initiative to upgrade 100 railway stations under the newly unveiled Dream Destination Project, the President's Media Division (PMD) announced on Saturday. The project was formally launched at a ceremony attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. During the event, Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake also presented the Road Safety Action Plan 2025–2026 to the president. According to the PMD, the project aims to transform the country's rail infrastructure into a safer, more accessible, and visually appealing network. The upgrades will prioritise passenger comfort and inclusivity, with specific focus on facilities for people with disabilities. Transport Minister Ratnayake highlighted the pressing need for public transport reform, noting that traffic congestion costs Sri Lanka an estimated 2–3 per cent of its GDP each year. To address this, the ministry plans to propose new railway lines in the upcoming national budget and expand infrastructure to support increased freight transport by rail. The minister announced that his ministry intends to suggest the addition of new railway lines in the upcoming budget and will enhance infrastructure to facilitate the transportation of cargo by rail. Attribution: Xinhua Subediting: Y.Yasser
