The Railway Department, in partnership with the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), has launched a new initiative to enhance the tourist appeal of the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella.

As part of the program, decorative lighting will be installed around the iconic bridge, allowing visitors to experience the site during night-time hours.

Railways General Manager Dhammika Jayasundara told Ada Derana that the project is expected to begin in August.

He noted that once the site is fully developed, a nominal entry fee will be introduced, with local tourists paying a minimal charge.

In addition to the Nine Arch Bridge project, the Railway Department is also developing a unique tourism venture near the Nanu Oya Railway Station.

The new project features accommodations built from refurbished train carriages, designed to provide visitors with a unique and memorable stay.

Jayasundara said the Nanu Oya tourism project is scheduled to be completed and open to the public by early August.

These initiatives are part of a broader effort to promote railway-based tourism and boost local economic development through innovative experiences.