Sri Lanka to launch new weekend long-distance train and bus service
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka plans to start special weekend tourist trains on key routes in conjunction with new bus services from September as most trains remain booked with demand for public transport rising amid a fuel crisis.
“We are discussing a special weekend train service to be launched next month,” cabinet spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena said on Tuesday August 16.
Two test runs have been completed, he said.
The minister said the Jaffna-bound ‘Night Rider’ train that leaves on Friday night from Colombo and returns Saturday night is carrying passengers above its capacity. The popular train routes to the hill country up to Badulla via Kandy, Ella stations have been booked till next month.
“It is difficult to get additional engines or compartments on an emergency basis for these stations. We are looking to add two trains to those routes,” said Gunawardena.
He said the transport ministry is looking to introduce a combined train-bus service to a few other destinations.
“We are trying to include a special train to Beliatta on the weekend and start a combined bus service with Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus service and private buses from Beliatta to Kataragama. They can come back on the same route the next day.”
Similarly, a weekend train plus bus service will be introduced to Anuradhapura and from there a special bus service to travel to the eight sacred places of worship for Buddhists.
Destinations such as Kandy, Pasi-kuda and Kal Kuda too will get similar transport facilities under this plan.
“We have held public consultations on this and people have given opinions on the sanitary and canteens of the services,” said the minister. (Colombo/Aug16/2022)
