Coastal line (Sri Lanka)

Intercity train at Galle Station

This line was the second railway line in Sri Lanka. Construction works started after Colombo–Kandy–Badulla Main Line. On 1 March 1877 first train up to Panadura was commenced. On 1 February 1878, trains ran up to Kalutara and one year after that on 1 February 1879 Wadduwa Station was declared open. On 22 September 1879 inaugural opening of Kalutara North and Kalutara South Stations and ran first train to Kalutara South. On 31 March 1890 line extended to Kalutara South to Aluthgama. Then up to Kosgoda on 8 September 1892 and Kosgoda to Ambalangoda on 15 November 1893. On 7 May 1894 British government completed the construction works to Galle . After nearly a year and half later on 17 December 1895 train services to Matara commenced.

Architecture at Galle station

In the mid-twentieth century, the coastal line experienced many changes to accommodate growing traffic. Galle Station was upgraded with better facilities and modern architecture. Express trains began serving the line, including the now celebrated Ruhunu Kumari. Along with the rest of the railway network, diesel traction replaced steam locomotives on all services.[4]

The railway line was severely affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. A train was swept off the track, killing more than 1500, in the worst rail disaster in history.[5]

A train at Galle station

A train arriving Galle station

In 2011–2012, the Coastal Line underwent complete reconstruction between Kalutara and Matara, to upgrade the track. The line was upgraded to be able to handle trains at 100 km/h (62 mph), allowing for shorter journey times and smoother service. The upgrade included replacing the rails and sleepers to ensure smoother and safer operation. The previously 3-hours-and-forty-minute travel time between Colombo and Matara has been reduced to just two hours.[3]

The railway is being extended from Matara to Kataragama in the Southern Railway project.[6]

Phase 1 extended the railway 26.8 km from Matara to Beliatta at a cost of US$278 million. The China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation broke ground on Phase 1 in 2013. The line includes two bridges of 1.5 km and 1.04 km in length, the longest on Sri Lanka's railway network. There is also a 615 meter long tunnel at Kekanadura.[6] The maximum track speed is 120 km/h (75 mph).[2] The Matara–Beliatta extension opened to traffic on 8 April 2019,[6] the first new railway built in Sri Lanka since independence from Great Britain in 1948.[7]

Phase 2 will serve the Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port in Hambantota at a cost of US$600 million, and Phase 3 will reach Kataragama.[6] The alignment shifts inland after Beliatta to protect sensitive natural habitats along the coast and minimise damage to property. A feasibility study and an environment impact assessment for the Beliatta to Hambantota and Kataragama phases of construction has been approved by the Cabinet.[2] Construction has not yet begun as of April 2019.[6]