Govt. moves to enhance public transport efficiency and safety

Saturday, 8 March 2025 00:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake expects to recruit female railway guards, train drivers and bus drivers to boost women’s participation in economic activities
Affirms commitment to making railways service efficient and appealing to public over next two years
Identifies 400 unprotected railway gates countrywide, aims to secure them all by next month with support from private sector and public participation
Says protecting lives should not be delayed though building sound transportation system takes time

Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake

In a series of key policy decisions, the Government yesterday announced initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency, safety, and inclusivity of the country’s railway and public transport sector.

These measures include the recruitment of women for key roles in Sri Lanka Railways and the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), efforts to modernise the railway system, and a commitment to eliminating unprotected railway crossings to enhance safety.

Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake during the 2025 Budget’s

Committee Stage Debate announced these

measures.

He said the Government expects to see highly efficient female railway guards, train drivers, as well as bus drivers during this year – a policy decision which was made in recognition of International Women’s Day, which falls today (8).

He also said the Government aspires to entrust the school bus service to women, further increasing their participation in the transport sector.

The Minister affirmed the Government’s commitment to making the railways service more efficient and appealing to the public over the next two years.

Addressing concerns over repeated train delays, he noted that iconic railway journeys are an integral part of the country’s identity. “A train delay impacts thousands of people. The railways service must be maintained as a pride of our country. Although these delays cannot be fixed overnight, we aim to make it efficient and attractive within the next two years,” Rathnayake added.

He also addressed the issue of unprotected railway crossings, revealing that 400 such crossings have been identified countrywide.

“Our objective is to make all unsafe railway crossings secure by next month with the involvement of public participation and the private sector. Building a sound transportation system takes time, but protecting lives should not be delayed,” he stressed.

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