Matara: Beliatta Railway Line Inaugurated – Extending the Southern Coastal Line

As part of an ongoing extension of Sri Lanka’s Southern coastal line, the Matara – Beliatta railway line was launched last month. The inauguration of this new line took place on 8th April 2019 at the Matara Railway Station; the event was attended by Arjuna Ranatunga, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation and Mangala Samaraweera, the Minister of Finance along with other dignitaries. The first train from Matara to the station at Beliatta left at 9 am and marked the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s railway service.

At present, seven trains operate along the Matara – Beliatta railway line offering connections to Maradana, Galle, Vavuniya and Jaffna. This extension of the Southern coastal line will no doubt enhance the island’s railway transport services; at present popular tourist destinations served include stations in Galle, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Beruwala and Kalutara; resort options including the likes of Avani Kalutara Resort can be found within easy reach of such stations as well.