No progress on rail delays under our watch – Transport Minister

Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake, has acknowledged that the present government has not been able to curb persistent train delays, despite assuming office with the intent to reform the country’s railway system.

Addressing the media following an inspection visit to the Dehiwala railway station, Minister Rathnayake stated that approximately 40% of train services were delayed at the time he assumed office.

He admitted that even under the current NPP administration, efforts to reduce this rate have not yielded significant success.

“We, too, have not been able to eliminate train delays. The railway service remains off track although it hasn’t derailed entirely,” he added.