Structures along railway tracks to be demolished

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Railway Department has obtained Cabinet approval to demolish unauthorised structures which are constructed in close proximity to railway tracks countrywide.

The demolition will take place shortly and the objective of the program is to stop deaths of a large number of people whose houses are constructed along railway tracks.It has also been revealed that a number of train- motor vehicle collisions had taken place in the past due to parapet walls, overgrown shrubs and unauthorised buildings, constructed on either side of railway crossings.

Railway Operating Suprintendent Vijaya Samarasinghe said it is sad to see the pathetic conditions of residents along the Kelani Valley railway track.

He said a large number of unauthorised houses is constructed along this railway line and priority is given to demolish them.It is said the Department has also planned to introduce the double line system to the Kelani Valley track.

Asked what steps the Railway Department would take to provide new houses to people when demolishing their unauthorised structures, Samarasinghe said the program will be carried out in collaboration with the Urban Development Authority.