Sept 30, Colombo: Sri Lanka Railway sources say that plans are underway to relocate the National Railway Museum to Kadugannawa in the Kandy district.

Under the instructions of Transport Minister Kumara Welgama, a project has been initiated to build a multi-faceted Railway Museum to mark the occasion of the completion of 150 years of railway service in Sri Lanka.

A six acre plot of land has been identified for the new site and the constructions are to be soon commenced with financial assistance from China.

Initially, railways premises of Ambepussa, Kadugannawa and Ratmalana have been proposed as sites for the construction of the Museum.

The town the museum will be located is significant in the road development of the island under the colonial rule.

National Railway Museum is currently situated at the old Colombo Terminus Railway Station in Maradana.

The new facility is intended to bring all railway antiques spread across the country under one roof. All types of old engines, locomotives, rail cars and trolleys used since the beginning of Sri Lanka Railway are to be displayed in the museum. Some of these are presently in Sri Lanka Railway yards.

The facility will also feature an air-conditioned auditorium, souvenir shops, and restaurants.

Plans are underway to inaugurate the new museum on December 27 this year. The completed facility will be opened in 2014.