Night-time tourist access to be introduced at Nine Arch Bridge

The Sri Lanka Railway Department, in partnership with the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), has unveiled a new initiative to boost tourism around the famed Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, one of the country’s most photographed and visited landmarks.

As part of the project, decorative lighting will be installed around the historic bridge, allowing visitors to enjoy its scenic beauty even after sunset. The initiative aims to attract both local and international tourists by extending visiting hours and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Railways General Manager Dhammika Jayasundara told local media that the program will officially launch in August. Once upgrades are complete, a nominal entry fee will be introduced, with discounted rates for domestic visitors.

In a separate but related effort to promote railway heritage tourism, the department is also developing a unique accommodation project near the Nanu Oya Railway Station. The project involves converting decommissioned train carriages into hotel rooms, offering guests an immersive and memorable stay.

“This railway carriage hotel is designed to provide tourists with a distinctive travel experience. We expect to open the facility to the public by early August,” Jayasundara said.

Both initiatives reflect Sri Lanka’s broader strategy to innovate and expand its tourism offerings while preserving and repurposing historical assets.