Special bus and train services launched for festive season

Colombo, Dec. 24 (Daily Mirror) - Special bus and train services from Colombo to outstation areas and back to the capital were launched today (24) for the festive season under the supervision of the National Transport Commission (NTC).

The services are being operated by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and Sri Lanka Railways, with the participation of all Provincial Road Passenger Transport Authorities, to meet the increased travel demand during Christmas, long weekend holidays and the upcoming New Year.

Addressing a media briefing at the Transport, Highways and Urban Development Ministry, NTC Chairman Engineer P. A. Chandrapala said additional bus and train services will operate alongside existing timetables to ensure uninterrupted transport facilities for the public.

He said the joint programme has been implemented to strengthen long-distance and intercity transport services, with all SLTB depots brought under a coordinated plan. Long-distance bus operations are being regulated by the NTC, with services centred around Kadawatha, Kaduwela and Makumbura terminals.

According to the Chairman, expressway and coastal highway bus services have also been strengthened, with 70 routes deployed towards Galle and Matara. Key departure points including Makumbura Terminal, Colombo Bastion Mawatha and Kaduwela are being closely monitored. Additional services are operating on routes from Kurunegala to Colombo and via the Kurunegala–Mirigama Expressway. Special teams have also been deployed for long-distance services to areas such as Badulla and Ampara.

Revised timetables have been introduced for Kadawatha and Kaduwela expressway services based on passenger demand, while the number of SLTB buses operating from Colombo to surrounding towns and other cities has been increased. Priority has also been given to maintaining bus services in disaster-affected areas.

The special transport programme will remain in operation until January 5 next year. Passengers have been requested to report transport-related issues via the NTC hotline 1955.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Railways Superintendent (Travel) Asanka Samarasinghe Mahaka said railway lines damaged by recent disasters, including the Northern, Upcountry, Eastern and Puttalam lines, have been restored and are now operational.

He said train services are currently running between Colombo Fort and Kankesanthurai on the Northern line, while the Batticaloa train resumed operations from 5.00 a.m. today. Four Ambewela–Badulla trains are operating on the Upcountry line, and Colombo–Trincomalee services resumed on December 22.

All services on the Coastal and Main lines are operational, with a special coastal train added between Maradana and Matara today and next Monday. The Kankesanthurai intercity train will commence operations tomorrow (December 25) and is scheduled to run on Sunday as well.

NTC Director General Dr. Nilan Miranda said the joint programme came into effect this morning with 100 additional buses deployed. He added that extra buses will also operate on December 28 and 29 to facilitate passengers returning to Colombo.

He urged private bus operators to support the programme by charging only approved fares and ensuring safe driving during the festive travel period.