Long-distance trains halted; regional operations will continue: Railways Dept.

The Railways Department has assigned adequate train service while suspending the long distance run and continue with the inter- regional operations as usual, Deputy General Manager of the Railway Department V.S Polwattage said.

He told the media that plans being drawn to operate trains within Western Province (WP) tomorrrow.

Accordingly, trains will run up to Aluthgama on the coastal line, up to Kochchikade on the Puttalam line, up to Ambeussa on the mainline and up to Avissawella on the Kelani Valley line from tomorrow, Mr. Polwattage said. 

"Trains will operate in the morning and evening tomorrow between the destinations indicated above to facilitate the people who are engaged in essential services, state, private and semi-state sector employees etc. In order to provide adequate  travelling facilities for the above passengers, a fair number of trains will be in operation," the DGM Railways said.

Moreover, the Railway Department is to continue with the inter- regional operations such as to Matara, Galle and Kandy as they have been, he said.

All long distance services will be cancelled from tomorrow, he said. 

The student transport train services conducted by the department has also been suspended as no trains will be in operation as per the railway time table. 

Fuel transportation and other essential services to all other provinces that need to go with the day-to-day operation will continue as usual. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)