The Katunayake-Negombo double line rail track constructed by the Department of Railways was handed over for train operations in a ceremony held under the patronage of Mrs. Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Minister of Transport, on the morning of 16.12.2022.With the construction of the double line upto Negombo, passengers traveling from Colombo Fort to Negombo will be able to save up to 45 minutes.Especially, because of the new double line, office employees traveling from Negombo to Colombo and from Colombo to Negombo will be able to save their time.The construction work was carried out at a cost of Rs. 446 millionwith the financial provision allocated by the Government to the Railway Department. The Department of Railways states that a new electric signal system has also been installed under this construction.Minister of Transport, Mrs.PavithraWanniarachchi unveiled the memorial plaque to mark the inauguration of the Negombo Double Line. Negombo Mayor, Mr. Dayan Lansa, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Mr. Monty Ranatunga, General Manager of Railways, Mr.Dhammika Jayasundara and the Private Secretary, Mr. Kanchana Jayaratne were also present at the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that this double line railway, built by the Sri Lankan engineers serving in the Railway Department, has enabled doubling the services providedup to Negombo. The Minister further said that under this program it will be possible to provide a train service with modern facilities, especially for office employees traveling from Negombo to Colombo and from Colombo to Negombo.