The Colombo-Kandy luxury train service, which was expected to begin operations today, was postponed until further notice, the Transport Ministry said today.

Ministry officials said the train service -- Sri Lanka Railway Department’s first luxury train service -- had been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances.

The fully air conditioned intercity train service has ten compartments and can accommodate some 200 passengers. The train service would include adjustable seats and entertainment facilities. A one-way ticket is priced at Rs.500.

The train is scheduled to stop at Ragama, Gampaha, Peradeniya Junction and Kandy.
Ministry officials said the special train service would be the first of its kind in Sri Lanka since the Railway Service began in 1864.

The train will run from Friday to Monday and cater to passengers travelling during the weekend providing a further boost for tourism. A private company already operates a luxury train service called Expo Rail which travels to Kandy and back at a much higher ticket price. (Olindhi Jayasundere)